Xavi Hernandez Retires From Spain National Team to Focus on FC Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez officially announced his retirement from national team duties after a disappointing campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Xavi, who played a total of 133 games for Spain with 13 goals, announced the decision in a news conference on Tuesday, where he expressed gratitude to the Spanish football federation.

"I have taken the decision to stop playing for the national team," Hernandez said via Marca.com. "I would like to thank the Federation and the managers that have chosen me from day one. It has been fantastic working with them and playing for this team. I go satisfied, proud and happy and wish them all the best."

Hernandez admitted that he was disappointed when he did not start in Spain's decisive match against Chile in the 2014 World Cup, but he pointed that he has nothing against coach Vicente Del Bosque.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who won one World Cup title and two European championships, insisted that retirement was already in sight after Euro 2012, but Del Bosque persuaded him to stay for another tour of duty in Brazil.

"I was going to retire after Euro 2012 but head coach Vicente Del Bosque persuaded me to stay on and go to Brazil, which was of course a huge disappointment for everyone and myself individually," Xavi said via the BBC. "After Euro 2012, it was generally understood I was going to be leaving after Brazil 2014."

And while they failed to defend their title in Brazil, Hernandez, who started playing for the national team in November 2000, said that the federation should retain Del Bosque as coach moving forward.

Hernandez said that he will focus on his remaining seasons with Barcelona, who are expected to go all out next season in hopes of reclaiming the La Liga title they lost to Atletico Madrid.

The veteran midfielder, who was voted player of the tournament at Euro 2008, admitted that he considered leaving Barcelona this summer after receiving offers from Major League Soccer clubs and Middle East teams, but Barça managed to convince him to stay for another run next season.