Today, 34-year-old Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez has called time on his international career with the Spanish national team. Xavi made his debut for La Furia Roja in 2000, and was named player of the tournament at Euro 2008 after helping Spain win their first international competition since 1964. That was just the beginning though, as Xavi would prove influential in Spain’s first World Cup triumph as a nation at South Africa 2010, as well as their successful defense of the European championship in 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Xavi finishes his international career with 133 appearances for Spain, second all-time behind Iker Casillas’ 156 caps.
[via The Guardian]