PSG defender Sergio Ramos announces retirement from international football

Paris Saint-Germain defender Sergio Ramos has announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old claimed that new Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente forced him to end his career with the national team.

Luis Enrique’s successor has told Ramos he is not in his plans for the team. The former Real Madrid star last appeared for La Roja in 2021 and was hoping to add to his 180 caps this year.

However, Ramos will have to concentrate on the remainder of his club career after De la Fuente’s decision.

He made his debut for Spain in 2005 and holds the record for most appearances for the country.

Ramos won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010. He featured at four World Cups and three European Championships.

The veteran centre-back was omitted from the 2020 European Championships after an injury-plagued season with PSG.

It was the first time since Euro 2004 that he failed to make it to a tournament. It ended a run of him featuring in ten consecutive tournaments.

Ramos was fit throughout the following season, but Enrique opted against including him in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

He will go down in history as one of La Roja’s best-ever players. The Madrid legend is nearing the twilight of a trophy-laden career.

Ramos won five La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with Los Blancos. He has 24 club trophies and ended his international career with three.

He has also made the FIFPro XI 11 times and has set records many defenders will struggle to match for years to come.

Ramos would have loved a chance to say goodbye to La Roja fans, but it was not meant to be.