Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from international football following the team’s exit against Russia.

The Spanish maestro decided to bid goodbye to Spain after the side’s exit from the 2018 World Cup.

The 34-year-old came on as a substitute as Spain lost 4-3 on penalties to the hosts in the last 16 on Sunday. Iniesta’s last kick for his country was to score in the shootout in his 131st – and final – international outing.

Iniesta made his debut in 2006. He will be forever remember for scoring Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. He also helped Spain win the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 during a glittering 12 yea. r international career.

After the defeat against Russia, Iniesta said:
“It is a reality that is my last match with the national team. Sometimes the endings are not as one dreams. “It is the saddest day of my career.

Iniesta ended his 22 year career at Barca in May when he moved to Japanese top-flight side Vissel Kobe. He won 32 trophies at Barcelona, where he made 674 senior appearances, having joined the youth set-up aged 12.

Spain boss Fernando Hierro described Iniesta as “one of the greatest players in our history”.
“The way he played on the pitch when he substituted on was like he was playing in his first cap and I want to thank him whole-heartedly,” he said.

Iniesta’s announcement came after Spain were on the receiving end of the biggest shock of the 2018 World Cup so far. Spain’s preparations for the tournament were rocked when they sacked boss Julen Lopetegui for failing to tell his federation about his post-World Cup move to Real Madrid.

Former Real Madrid player Hierro as promptly placed in charge and steered the team through the group stage before the loss to Russia. In the end, Spain might have heavily paid the price for sacking Loptegui.