Spain’s most capped player Sergio Ramos, has announced his international retirement after being told by new coach Luis de la Fuente that he was not part of his plans.

The 36-year-old Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender, who won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 as well as two European Championships, has not played for Spain since March 2021.

But he said he should have been given the chance to show he could still be of service to his country.

“The time has come, the time to say ‘goodbye’ to our beloved and exciting national team,” Ramos, who captained Spain 52 times, said in a statement.

“This (Thursday) 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 sports career.”

The Spanish FA (RFEF) confirmed to Reuters that the conversation between coach De la Fuente and Ramos took place on Thursday, but provided no further details.

Ramos was dropped by former Spain coach Luis Enrique and had not made an appearance since coming on as a late substitute in a 3-1 win over Kosovo in a World Cup qualifier two years ago.

“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,” Ramos said.

“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. (Reuters/NAN)

•PHOTO: Soccer Football - Coupe de France - Round of 16 - Olympique de Marseille v Paris St Germain - Orange Velodrome, Marseille, France - February 8, 2023 Paris St Germain's Sergio Ramos celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

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