In sport : Xabi Alonso quits La Roja "

Madrid - Spain's Xabi Alonso has called time on his international career, having
won the World Cup, two European championships and 114 caps.
In a stellar career that spanned 11 years, since his debut against Ecuador in April
2003, Alonso was a crucial part of the all-conquering Spain team that shed their
'underachievers' tag to dominate international football for six years.
"I quit the Spanish National Team. The hardest thing is knowing when to say
goodbye, and after thinking about it, I think that my time with the National squad
has come to an end," the 32-year-old said in a statement on the Spanish football
team's official website (www.sefutbol.com).
"It has been a glorious period with the Spanish team that started more than 11
years ago, I have formed part of an historical generation that has fulfilled the
dreams of millions of fans.
"Since that April 30th, 2003 when I made my debut aged 21, I have only lived great
moments, so I only have words of gratitude for all those with whom I have shared
more than one decade," he added.
Alonso scored 16 goals for Spain but that statistic does not do justice to his
contribution to their success.
From his deep-lying position he dictated the tempo of Spain's possession-
orientated football and made up a formidable midfield trio alongside Barcelona
maestros Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who announced his own international retirement
earlier this month.
He started the showpiece finals of the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European
Championship after making a substitute appearance as Spain beat Germany to win
Euro 2008.
His international career ended on a sour note, however, as Spain suffered a shock
group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, winning just one of their three
games.
While that proved a disappointing finale, it did not take the gloss of an international
career where Alonso became one of the most important components in one of
greatest football teams of all time.
Although some of Spain's golden generation received more plaudits and won more
individual honours, few were as appreciated as much within the camp as the classy
Alonso.
Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque told sefutbol.com: "It's very difficult to
improve on what he has done. Together with his peers, he leaves behind a great
legacy. He has been a great professional.
"The coaching staff and I hold him in great esteem and his behaviour has been
impeccable for all this time!!!!