Spain's Sergio Ramos announces retirement from international football

PSG defender Sergio Ramos announced his retirement from international football after trophy-laden career with Spain that saw him earn 180 caps.

Ramos lifted the World Cup 2010 and two European championships with his country.

The 36-year-old former Real Madrid captain released a statement explaining his decision on Thursday.

"The time has come," Ramos wrote in his statement. "Time for me to say goodbye to the Spain national team.

"This morning, I received a call from the coach who informed me that I am not and will not be part of his plans, regardless of how I perform or what I do in my career.

"With a heavy heart, it's the end of a road that I hoped would stretch out further and would end with a better taste in my mouth, on a par with all the success we achieved with La Roja.

"I honestly believed that this journey deserved to end at my own choosing or because of my performances were not at a level worthy of our national team. Not due to a question of age or other reasons that, although I have not heard them directly, I have certainly felt.

"Age in itself is not a virtue or a defect; it's just a number not necessarily related to performance or ability. I admire and envy players like (Luka) Modric, (Lionel) Messi and Pepe.

"Unfortunately, it won't be like that for me because football isn't always fair and football is never just football. This is something I have to accept, albeit with this sadness but also with my head held high."