Spain midfielder David Silva has announced his retirement from international football after spending nearly 12 years with La Roja.

The 32-year-old shared an open letter on his official Instagram and Twitter page which read:

"It's not easy to write this after all that I have experienced. I've been thinking things through for the past days and weeks, thinking what the national team means to me. Without a doubt it is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to take and I say it from humility and gratitude.

The national team has given me everything and taught me how to grow from the youth squads to the senior side. I can proudly say I played 125 games and have scored 35 goals with the national team, throughout the past 12 years, where we won two EUROs and a World Cup.

I leave happy for everything I have achieved in this team, what I've dreamed and experienced with a team that will never be forgotten. I put an end to a stage in my life, full of emotion for all the moments that come to mind, like the role of Luis Aragones, a teacher we will never forget.

I cannot leave without thanking my teammates, all the coaches who had faith in me and with the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) employees, who give it all to make our life easier.

I also wish to thank my family for their support all these years, without their help I would not have been part of the great history behind the national team. And, of course, I wish to thank all the fans who shared their support and respect everytime I wore the Spain jersey.

Thank you, good luck and farewell!"

Silva made his debut for the national team on 15 November 2006 when Aragones was manager. That was the beginning of a highly successful career with the national team for the diminuitive midfielder, with the highlight being three consecutive triumphs at major international tournaments with La Roja: UEFA EURO 2008, FIFA World Cup™ 2010 and EURO 2012.

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