Sergio Ramos, a former Real Madrid captain, has retired from international football after 18 years and 180 caps.

He had not played for Spain in two years and was continuously left out by previous head coach Luis Enrique.

There was hope that the new coach, Luis de la Fuente, would recall the 36-year-old to the national team, but he has chosen not to include Ramos in his first squad for Euro 2024 qualifying matches.

Ramos confirmed his retirement from Spain in a statement on his social media accounts.

Ramos was part of the successful Spanish team that won the World Cup and two European Championships between 2008 and 2012 under Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque. Another player from that time, Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, had already announced his retirement in December.

As a result, de la Fuente will have to navigate his journey as Spain’s head coach without two experienced figures.

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