Sergio Ramos has made a huge announcement about his playing future, revealing that he was effectively forced into making the big call.
The Paris Saint-Germain star has officially announced his retirement from international football after making the most appearances ever for the Spain national team, but it is a decision he is evidently not happy to have made.
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The defender made his debut for his country in 2005 and would go on earn a record 180 caps, enjoying unprecedented success as he won the 2008 UEFA European Championship, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and another Euro title in 2012 with La Furia Roja.
However, the 36-year-old was left out of Luis Enrique's World Cup squad for the recent tournament in Qatar, with many reports speculating that a rift between him and the now-departed manager had formed.
On Thursday, the player announced his decision with a heavy heart, making it clear he was not ready to hang up his international boots, but felt compelled to do so after a phone call from current Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.
Seguiré animando a mi país desde casa con la emoción del privilegiado que ha podido representarlo orgulloso 180 veces. ¡Gracias de corazón a todos los que siempre creísteis en mí! ?????? pic.twitter.com/KzVldPhiqo
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) February 23, 2023
"The time has come. Time for me to say goodbye to the Spain national team," Ramos' statement read.
"This morning, I received a call from the current Head Coach who informed me that I am not and will not be part of his plans, regardless of how I perform or what I do in my career.
"With a heavy heart, it's the end of the road that I hoped would stretch out further and which would end with a better taste in my mouth.
"I honestly believe that this journey deserved to end at my own choosing or because my performances were not at a level worthy of our national team.
"Because age in itself is not a virtue or a defect; it's just a number that is not necessarily related to performance or ability.
"I admire and envy players like [Luka] Modric, [Lionel] Messi and Pepe.
"Unfortunately, it won't be like that for me because football isn't always fair and football is never just football.
"I come away with unforgettable memories, all the titles we've fought for and celebrated together and the tremendous pride I feel as the most capped Spanish international of all time.
"This badge, this shirt and these fans, all of you, have made me happy. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who believed in me!"
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