Former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos announced international career retirement. , Photo Credit: Reuters
Spain legend Sergio Ramos ended his international career on 23 February after being told by the national team’s new coach that Ramos was no longer in his plans.
In his departure, Ramos criticized coach Luis de la Fuente for his decision not to select him regardless of his future performance.
The Paris Saint-Germain centre-back said he wished he could have played more for the national team and that his time with “La Rosa” would have ended in a better way.
“I feel that this trajectory deserved to be ended either through a personal decision or because my performance was no longer worthy of the national team, not because of age or other reasons,” the 36-year-old Ramos said.
The former Real Madrid star said he “admires” and is “envious” of legends such as Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Pepe who are still flourishing with their national teams.
Ramos had already been dropped from the national team by former coach Luis Enrique, and did not make it into Spain’s World Cup squad in Qatar last year.
Ramos helped Spain win the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, and the World Cup in 2010.