Spain's David Silva retires from international duty

Manchester City midfielder David Silva has announced his retirement from international football.

He confirmed his decision with a statement on his Twitter account. Silva was part of the Spain squads which won the 2010 World Cup as well as the Euros in 2008 and 2010, making 125 appearances over a 12-year span.

"I leave felling happy with everything I have achieved," Silva wrote. "I lived and dreamed with a team which will be remembered forever; and I am bringing an end to an era filled with many moments which will live in my memory, such as the figure of Luis Aragones, a teacher I will never forget."

His final match was the penalty shootout defeat to Russia in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16.
Silva endured a difficult period after Christmas when his time was split between Spain and

Manchester following the premature birth of his son Mateo, who was in intensive care before finally being allowed home in May after spending five months in hospital.

Silva follows in the footsteps of fellow World Cup winners Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique in retiring for Spain duty following the World Cup.