Spaniard Sergio Ramos, defender of Paris Saint-Germain, announced his international retirement, on Thursday, after a conversation with the current coach of La Roja Luis de la Fuente.
The former Real Madrid captain published an official statement on his social media pages in which he said: "It's time to say goodbye to the national team, this morning I received a call from the current coach and he told me that he will not count on me regardless of the level I will present or how I will continue my sports career."
"This is the end of a journey that I had hoped would have lasted longer and ended better, based on all the successes I have had with the national team."
"I believed that this career deserved to end with a personal decision or that my level is not up to what the national team deserves and not because of age or other reasons, age is not about performance."
"I look with jealousy and admiration for Modric, Messi and Pepe, they represent the essence, traditions, values and justice in football, and unfortunately it will not be the same with me, the idea of football is not always fair."
He continued: "So I share this with you with sadness but with a raised head and gratitude for all the years and for all your support, I have great memories and titles that we fought for together and celebrated, and the pride to become Spain's most capped player, this logo, shirt and fans made me happy."
"I will continue to support my country from home with pride to have been able to represent it in 180 games, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your enduring belief in me."
Ramos has an impressive career with the Spanish national team from 2005 to 2021.
Ramos won three major titles with Spain, the World Cup in 2010, as well as two Euros in 2008 and 2012.
He also participated with Spain in the World Cup in 2006, 2014 and 2018 as well, and was also present at Euro 2016, and participated twice in the Confederations World Cup in 2009 and 2013, and played with his country 180 international matches during which he scored 23 goals.