Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Sergio Ramos has hit out at the Spanish FA after announcing his retirement from international football, something he believes he has been forced to do.
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On Thursday, the veteran defender announced that his international career was over following a discussion with Spain's new head coach, Luis de la Fuente.
Following a record 180 appearances and three major trophies, including the FIFA World Cup, Ramos leaves as one of the greatest-ever defenders on the global stage, but believes he had more to offer.
In his statement, the 36-year-old did not hide his disappointment at being told he would no longer be called upon, insisting the decision made by De la Fuente and the Spanish FA was inspired by more than sport.
"The time has come, the time to say goodbye to our beloved and exciting national team," his statement read.
"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.
"Humbly, I think that my path deserved to end because of my personal decision or if my performance was not up to the level that our national team deserve, but not because of age or other reasons.
"Being young or less young is not a virtue or a defect, it is only a temporary trait that is not necessarily related to performance or ability.
"I look with admiration and envy at (Luka) Modric, (Lionel) Messi, Pepe... the essence, tradition, values, meritocracy and justice in football.
"Unfortunately, it will not happen to me because football is not always fair and football is never only about football."
Ramos has not played for Spain since 2021.
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