David Silva announces retirement from Spanish national team

Manchester City midfielder David Silva has announced his retirement from international football.

He confirmed his decision with a statement on his Twitter account. Silva was part of the Spain squads which won the 2010 World Cup as well as the Euros in 2008 and 2010, making 125 appearances over a 12-year span.

Silva stated he was “very proud” of his achievements and that the decision to retire was “one the most difficult of my career”.

He added: “I lived and dreamed with a team that will forever be remembered.

“It has not been easy, after all I’ve experienced, to write these lines.

“I’ve spent days and weeks considering this. The national team gave me everything and helped me grow as a player and a person.

“I leave proud and happy, bringing an end to a time full of emotions and memories, like of the figure of Luis Aragones, a maestro who will never be forgotten.”

Aragones, who was coach when Spain won the 2008 Euros, died four years ago.

His final match was the penalty shootout defeat to Russia in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16.

Silva endured a difficult period after Christmas when his time was split between Spain and Manchester following the premature birth of his son Mateo, who was in intensive care before finally being allowed home in May after spending five months in hospital.

Silva follows in the footsteps of fellow World Cup winners Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique in retiring for Spain duty following the World Cup.