"I Leave The Team A Happy Man" - Spain Legend, Xavi Announces His Retirement From International Football

Barcelona midfielder, Xavi Hernandez held a Press conference yesterday to announce his international retirement and confirm he is staying at Barcelona. The 34-year-old’s decision to quit La Roja duty comes as no surprise, but there had been much speculation over his club future. However,

Spain legend and
speaking to reporters, the midfielder thanked the Catalan giants for allowing him the time to reflect on his future and confirmed his intention to see out the remaining two years of his contract at Camp Nou.

"I thank the club for being so patient and letting me think over my situation over the summer," Xavi said. "I'm happy that the club has faith in me and wants me to see out my contract. Having spoken to the Coaches, they've made me feel competitive and useful. "My contract is for two years so nothing changes. I think I made a rash decision to consider leaving the club and changed my mind. I wish to apologise and thank everyone."

Xavi then discussed his departure from his national team, adding that there is no better man to take La Roja forward than Vicente Del Bosque. "I've taken the decision to leave the national team. My time there has finished. "I'm grateful for all those years. It has been a fantastic time. I'm not 20 anymore, but I still have the motivation of a kid.

"I was going to retire after Euro 2012 but Vicente Del Bosque persuaded me to stay on and go to Brazil, which was of course a huge disappointment for everyone and myself individually. "After Euro 2012, it was generally understood I was going to be leaving after Brazil 2014. “I hope Del Bosque stays as Coach of Spain because I don't think there is a better man for the job."