Eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, Sergio Busquets said goodbye to La Roja. In a long message posted on his Instagram account, the FC Barcelona midfielder announced that he was retiring from international football. The opportunity for him to thank a whole people. “Hi there ! I want to tell you that after almost 15 years and 143 games, the time has come for me to say goodbye to the national team. I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long journey. From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique who made me enjoy every second. I would also like to thank Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno for their confidence, as well as all their collaborators. And of course, to each of my teammates, with whom I fought to try to bring the national team to where it deserved to be, with more or less success but always giving the maximum and with the greatest pride. I don’t want to forget any member of the expedition, who were just as important in the shadows (physios, doctors, players, delegates, nutritionists, staff, press, security, trips, etc…) and all the people and workers who crossed my path and made it so special. Also to presidents, managers, sports directors and those who in one way or another have been part of the federation”.
“To all the fans, for the daily support received and especially when things didn’t go to plan. This is when you are needed the most and when we need to be more united. To all of you, thank you! And of course, the most important thing, my family. For supporting me every moment and in all my decisions and for sharing this journey, being away from me for many days and always making me feel close so that I could give my best. It was an honor to represent my country and to take it to the top, to be world and European champion, to be captain and to play so many matches, with more or less success, but always giving the best of myself and doing my best to make everyone feel important, helping everyone and fighting for the same goal, with unique, unforgettable and historic experiences.” After 143 selections, a world champion title in 2010 and a European champion title in 2012, Sergio Busquets leaves a selection now led by Luis de la Fuente. A page is definitely turning on the side of La Roja.
