Manchester City midfielder David Silva on Monday called time on his distinguished 12-year international career with Spain.
Selected for the first time in November 2006, the 32-year-old helped his country be crowned world champions in South Africa in 2010 and won two European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.
“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” he said in a message on social media.
The Manchester City midfielder played 125 games and scored 35 goals. He lies fourth in the highest appearances and goalscoring charts for Spain. “I lived and dreamed with a team that will forever be remembered. I’ve spent days and weeks considering this. The national team gave me everything and helped me grow as a player and a person.”
Just a day ago, Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique also hung up his boots. Pique, like Silva, was one of Spain’s many lynchpins as La Furia Roja dominated world football between 2008-’12.