Football

Sergio Ramos retires from Spain duty with parting shot at coach

February 24, 2023 7:20 am

Sergio Ramos [Source: Reuters]

Spain’s most capped player Sergio Ramos announced his international retirement on Thursday after being told by new coach Luis de la Fuente that he was not part of his plans.

The 36-year-old Paris St Germain defender, who won the World Cup in 2010 as well as two European Championships, has not played for Spain since March 2021, yet said he should have been given the chance to show he could still be of service to his country.

“The time has come, the time to say goodbye to our beloved and exciting national team,” Ramos, who captained Spain 52 times, said in a statement.

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“This morning I received the call from the current coach who told me that he doesn’t and will not count on me, regardless of the level I can show or how I continue my sporting career.”

The Spanish FA (RFEF) confirmed to Reuters that the conversation between coach De la Fuente and Ramos took place on Thursday, but provided no further details.