Manchester City star David Silva has confirmed he will no longer represent Spain at international level, in a letter published on social media.
Silva represented his country on 125 occasions, scoring 35 times in an international career that spanned 12 years.
The playmaker helped La Roja lift their first World Cup title in 2010, and also played a part in back-to-back European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012.
But after more than a decade playing for his nation, Silva has decided to call it a day and focus on his club career.
"It is not easy, after everything I have experienced, to sit down and write this letter," the 32-year-old star explained in an open letter posted on Twitter.
"There have been days and weeks of reflection and analysis to make the decision to finish my time in the Spain national team. Without a doubt it is one of the hardest decisions in my career."
"The national team has given me everything and has allowed me to grow as a player and as a person from my first days in the youth set-up. I leave with pride after playing 125 games and scoring 35 goals in a 12-year spell where we lifted the World Cup and two European Championships.
"I leave happy with all I have achieved, experienced and dreamed with a team that will be remembered forever, and I have ended an era filled with emotion from all those moments that come to my mind, like the figure of Luis Aragones, a teacher that none of us will ever forget.
"I cannot leave without thanking all of my team-mates, the coaches that had faith in me and the RFEF employees that do everything to make our lives easier.
"I also want to thank my family for their support over the years, without their help I would never have been able to form part of this team. And of course, the fans who have always given me their support and respect every time I wore the Spain shirt.
"Thank you, good luck and farewell!"
Silva is the third Spain star to hang up his boots following the nation's World Cup last-16 exit at the hands of hosts Russia.
Andres Iniesta revealed minutes after July's penalty shoot-out defeat he was standing down, while Gerard Pique followed his former Barcelona captain's example on Saturday during a press conference.
Abshir47
158
And Now Devid Silva We Will Miss You Legends
as_win10
140
Now these two had retired. All the best for the club games. International Football will miss you a lot.
suprabhat
95
first iniesta,then pique and now silva ...tq everyone for such a contribution to this game and spain ... no one will forget ur contribution.....tq legends ..
prakashcr7
86
Oh, wait. Pique retired. David silva retired. It's the most hard time for all the Spanish football supporters. They were the backbone of Spanish national side. It will difficult for spain to fill their gap. I don't know why silva made this decision. He could still play at least 4 years with Spain. Thank you silva for everything, we will miss you forever. It's a hard goodbye to David.
BAPPSPAULO
77
the legendary Spain is gradually going and the youngsters are coming in
Latadilmpz
53
Spanish football association is doing something wrong. Before all players retire please let the entire committee be fired. So sad for such key players to be be quitting just like that.
Egypteanu
46
This is one of the most underrated midfielders in the world totally world class maybe because of the club he played for just saying. 🙌
alanzo007
33
A FANTASTIC HUMBLE HUMAN BEING AND A SUPERLATIVE PLAYER WHO NEVER GETS THE RECOGNITION BY WORLD STANDARDS. THE MAGNIFICENT MAESTRO MAGICIAN SILVA. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE YOU CONTINUES A FANTASTIC CLUB CAREER. WE LOVE YOU DAVID. CITY4LIFE MI SEY.
GabrielDesmond
31
David Silva is a great player and forever be remembered in the Spain🇪🇸 history since he contributed much for his country on winning the 2010 World Cup so for his age he choosed to retire is better for most of the young spanish players to come up like France have a long list of young quality players. Good luck David Silva.
MarcoMarin7777
22
I must admit that the underperformance of the Spanish outfit mobilized to challenge for Russia 2018 World Cup and the drama that unfolded at the management which saw Lopetagui sacked at the middle of a crucial world outings, all culminated in the Spanish national team's gradual depletions from it's World Cup heroes. First Iniesta, Pique and now Silva. Replacing these heroes won't be easy as non at the moment are showing signs of performing at their level except, for those who have tasted world cup victory with the national team.