David Silva has announced his retirement from international football.

The 32-year-old made 125 appearances for Spain, putting him sixth on their list of all-time leading appearances.

He made his debut in 2006 and went on to win the 2010 World Cup, as well as the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

In total, he scored 35 times, the fourth highest in Spain’s history. 

Silva said: ”It is not easy, after all I’ve lived through, to sit and write these lines. It has been days and weeks of reflection and analysis to take the decision to end my era in the Spanish national team.

“Without a doubt it’s been one of the most difficult choices of my career, which I make with gratitude and humility.

“The national team has given me everything and allowed me to grow as a footballer and person since (playing in) the youth categories.

“I leave feeling happy with everything I have achieved. I lived and dreamed with a team which will be remembered forever; and I am bringing an end to an era filled with many moments which will live in my memory, such as the figure of Luis Aragones, a teacher I will never forget.”

His final match was the penalty shootout defeat to Russia in the 2018 World Cup round of 16.

And the football world was united in their praise of Silva, a player widely considered one of the finest of his generation.