Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has revealed that he attempted to "convince" Sergio Busquets to change his mind over his international retirement.
Busquets captained La Roja at the 2022 World Cup, while he remains a key player for Barcelona, but there is uncertainty surrounding his future at club level, with his deal due to expire next June.
The 34-year-old announced on Friday that he was stepping down from international duty after making 143 appearances for Spain between 2009 and 2002.
"Hello to all! I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 games, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team," he wrote on his Instagram account.
I would like to thank all the people who have been with me on this long road. From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy until the last second. Also thank the trust of Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro or Robert Moreno, as well as all their staff.
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"Finally, I can only wish all the luck in the world to my teammates and the new coach Luis de la Fuente. Now I will be one more fan, enjoy and support our national team unconditionally. Eternal thanks."
De la Fuente has confirmed that he tried to change the midfielder's mind, as he viewed him as an important part of his plans moving forward.
"I had the privilege of receiving a call yesterday informing me that he had made this decision. I tried to convince him, but he is a man of clear ideas and had already decided. I could only respect him," De la Fuente told Sport.
"I want to recognize the very important role, the legacy that Busquets has left in Spanish football. It is a shame that at the international level he wants to close the stage. I told him so, but I fully respect his decision and support it.
"He is one of the most important players in Spanish soccer, because of what he has achieved on the pitch and for his mastery off it.
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"It is a very sensitive loss, but soccer continues and we will have to think about future replacements, there are very good ones. Although they will have a long way to go to reach the level of what Busquets has achieved.
"There are players who have already occupied that position, such as Rodri, but we are following other players and there are sure to be others who will have their chance. There is still time until March to see the evolution of the players."
Luis Enrique left his position as head coach of Spain following the World Cup, with the 2010 champions being eliminated in the round of 16 by Morocco.
De la Fuente has won the European Championship with both Spain Under-19s and Spain Under-21s, and the 61-year-old will now lead the senior side into their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Matt Law
