Midfielder Sergio Busquets, 34 years old, already announced this Friday withdrawal from the Spanish national football team after more than 13 years in which he has won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Cup in 2012.
The Barcelona player, captain of ‘La Roja’ in the World Cup in Qatar, retires after playing 143 official matches and has been a fundamental piece in the position of midfielder with all the selectors with whom he has agreed.
He made his debut with the national team on April 1, 2009, in a World Cup qualifying match against Turkey, although two months earlier he had been called up, although he did not play, for a friendly against England.
In a message on his social networks, Busquets says that the time has come to say goodbye to the national team: “I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long journey. From Vicente del Bosque who went to me to give the chance to start, to Luis Enrique to make me enjoy myself until the last second.”
“Also thank the trust of Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro or Robert Moreno, as well as all their staff. And of course to each and every one of my colleagues, with whom I have fought to try to bring the national team where it deserved, with more or less success but always giving everything and with the greatest of pride”.
Busquets did not want to forget himself in his farewell no member of the expedition “who, being in the background, have been just as important (physicians, doctors, material managers, delegates, nutritionists, staff, press, security, travel, etc…)”, as well as “all the people and workers who ‘They have crossed my path and made it so special.’
“Also to presidents, managers, sports directors, and to those who, in one way or another, have been part of the federation. To all followers, for the daily support received and especially when things did not turn out as we expected. This is when you are most needed and the most united you must be. To all of you, thank you!”, he says.
He also wanted to thank “the most important thing”, his family for supporting him “at every moment and in all my decisions and sharing this path by being far away for many days and always making me feel close to give the better than mine.”
“It’s been an honor to represent my country and take it to the top, be World and European championbeing Captain and playing so many matches, with more or less success, but always giving everything and contributing my bit so that everything went as well as possible and that everyone felt how important they are, helping everyone and fighting for the same goal, with unique, unforgettable and historical experiences”, he says.
“I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I’m going to miss it so much (seeing the roster, catching the airlift, saying hi to my teammates, enjoying practice, the endless card games, going out to play , not without first making our cry together, listening to the national anthem in each other’s arms or feeling the affection of an entire country)”, he indicated.
Finally, Busquets wished “all the luck in the world” to his teammates and to the new coach Luis de la Fuente: “Now I will be another fan, I will enjoy and support our team unconditionally. Eternal thanks.”
