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Ramos has announced his retirement from international football following a request from his country’s new manager, Luis de la Fuente.
The 36-year-old defender has most captainship in Spain, having played in World Cup and European Championship winning sides. Ramos, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, made the news via his social media sites.
“The moment has come to bid goodbye to our cherished and thrilling Red, the National Team,” Ramos wrote. “I received a call this morning from my present coach, who informed me that he doesn’t count and that he won’t depend on me, regardless of the level I can demonstrate or how I continue my sports career.”
Ramos earned his Spain debut when he was still a youngster in 2005. He went on to play 180 times for his country, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
He was left out of the national squads for both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, when Spain was eliminated in the first round by Morocco, prompting the dismissal of manager Luis Enrique. Luis de la Fuente has taken over as manager and acknowledged that Ramos was not in his plans.
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“With great sorrow, it is the end of a voyage that I had anticipated would be longer and conclude with a better taste in the mouth, on the pinnacle of all the triumphs we have accomplished with our Red,” Ramos added in his statement. “Humbly, I think that that career deserved to stop because of a personal decision or because my performance was not up to what our National Team deserves, but not because of age or other reasons that, without having heard them, I have felt.
“Since being young or less young is not a virtue or a flaw, it is merely a transient attribute that is not necessarily tied to performance or aptitude. I like and envy Modric, Messi, Pepe… football’s essence, tradition, ideals, meritocracy, and fairness.
“Unfortunately, that will not be the case for me, since football is not always fair, and football is never simply football. I accept it all with the grief that I wish to convey with you, but also with my head held high and grateful for all these years and all your support.
“I bring back indelible memories of all the titles we’ve battled for and celebrated together, as well as the immense pleasure of being the Spanish player with the most international appearances. This shield, this jersey, and this fan have all made me happy.
“I will continue to cheer for my nation from home with the excitement of someone who has had the opportunity of proudly representing it 180 times. Thank you so much to everyone who has always believed in me!”
