Madrid, Sep 04 (V7N)- Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31, bringing his Spain career to an end immediately after the national team's historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Llorente's decision to retire after winning the World Cup has surprised many in the football world. However, the midfielder said the move was not sudden and came after a long period of careful consideration.
The Spanish star announced his decision in an emotional message to fans and teammates on social media, saying he had decided to close his chapter with the national team after thinking deeply about his future.
Llorente made 27 appearances for Spain and represented the country at two World Cups and one European Championship. Throughout his career, he has been used in both midfield and defensive roles, demonstrating his versatility on the pitch.
The 31-year-old acknowledged that he still had several years of football ahead of him and could have continued representing Spain. He admitted that his decision might therefore appear unexpected from the outside, but stressed that it was entirely personal and one he had taken with great care.
Llorente also expressed his gratitude for the experiences and memories he shared with the national team, saying he would cherish every moment of his international career.
He described the final 52 days as particularly unforgettable, highlighting the extraordinary journey of a Spain side that fought until the very end to lift the World Cup and place the country at the top of world football.
With his international career now over, Llorente leaves Spain duty as a world champion after playing a significant role across a decade of international football.
END/SMA/AJ
