Why does Sergio Busquets not play for Spain anymore? Barcelona legend starring alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami
Spain will be without their former captain Sergio Busquets as La Roja look to reclaim their European crown at Euro 2024 this summer.
The legendary Barcelona midfielder was part of the all-conquering Spanish team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euros.
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Busquets’ final kick for Spain was a missed penalty at the World CupCredit: gettyThe 35-year-old captained his country in Qatar, where he missed his side’s final penalty in the last 16 shoot-out defeat to Morocco.
He has since left boyhood club Barca to reunite with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba at David Beckham’s MLS franchise, Inter Miami.
Busquets has featured heavily since his arrival in America, but he won’t be returning to Europe for the tournament in Germany.
Why does Busquets not play for Spain anymore?Busquets has announced his retirement from international duty following Spain’s disappointing early exit at the 2022 World Cup.
Read more on Euro 2024He wrote on social media: “I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team.
“It has been an honor to represent my country and take it to the top, to be a World and European champion, to be captain and to play so many games, with greater or lesser success but always giving everything and contributing my grain of sand so that everything was done the right way, and so that everyone felt how important they are, helping everyone and fighting for the same goal, with unique, unforgettable and historical experiences.
“I still get goosebumps remembering it. I will miss it a lot — seeing the squad list, taking the airplane, greeting my teammates, enjoying the training sessions, the endless games, going out to play, but not before shouting together, listening to the national anthem, hugging or feeling the affection of an entire country.
“Finally, I can only wish my teammates and the new coach Luis de la Fuente all the luck in the world. Now I will be one more fan, I will enjoy and unconditionally support our team.”
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Busquets got his hands on the 2010 World Cup in South AfricaCredit: AFP
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Suarez has followed Messi and Busquets to the MLSCredit: GettyBusquets has been an ever-present figure at the base of Spain’s midfield since making his debut in 2009.
Luis Enrique was his manager in Qatar but has since left his post as Spain boss to take to the dugout at Paris Saint-Germain.
In the build-up to Qatar 2022, Enrique was keen to convince Busquets to stay on with the national team but the latter refused.
New Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has since passed Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata the captain’s armband.
