Marcos Llorente brings Spain career to a close after World Cup triumph

Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a Spain career that produced 27 senior appearances.

The 31-year-old Atletico de Madrid defender confirmed his decision on Thursday, despite acknowledging that he could still have several years ahead of him in the national team.

Llorente made his Spain debut in 2020 and was included in the squad that defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup in July. He did not feature in the final, remaining on the bench as Spain secured the title.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Llorente said the decision had been considered carefully and was based on his personal feelings rather than his age or current level of performance.

"I realise that I’m still young and that, perhaps, if I continued to perform well, I’d still have years left to play in this jersey," Llorente wrote.

He accepted that the announcement might be difficult for supporters to understand, while explaining that his perspective could have been different had he not been the person making the decision.

"I know many of you won’t understand this, and I probably wouldn’t have understood it either if I were looking at it from the outside. But it’s a personal decision - one I’ve thought through very carefully and, above all, one that comes from the heart."

The former Real Madrid player also used his message to thank those around him and look back on Spain’s successful World Cup campaign.

Llorente highlighted the final 52 days in particular, describing the period as the most significant part of his international experience.

"I’ll cherish everything I’ve experienced, but above all, these last 52 days," Llorente said.

He reserved praise for the group of players who helped Spain reach the top of world football, emphasising their determination to continue fighting until the end.

"With a wonderful group that fought until the very end to put Spain at the top. And that’s exactly what they did."

Llorente’s international career therefore ends with 27 caps and a World Cup winner’s medal, although he played no part in the final against Argentina. His decision comes despite his recognition that strong performances could have allowed him to remain involved with Spain for years to come.