Why does Sergio Busquets not play for Spain anymore? Barcelona legend starring alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Spain will be without their former captain Sergio Busquets as La Roja look to reclaim their European crown at Euro 2024 this summer.

The legendary Barcelona midfielder was part of the all-conquering Spanish team that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

The 35-year-old captained his country in Qatar, where he missed his side’s final penalty in the round of 16 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco.

He has since left boyhood club Barça to reunite with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba at David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami.

Busquets has played a lot since arriving in America, but he will not return to Europe for the tournament in Germany.

Why doesn’t Busquets play for Spain anymore?

Busquets announced his international retirement following Spain’s disappointing early elimination from the 2022 World Cup.

He wrote on social media: “I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team.

“It has been an honor to represent my country and take it to the top, to be world and European champion, to be captain and to play so many matches, with more or less success but always giving everything and contributing my grain of sand so that everything is done in the right way and so that everyone feels how important they are, helping everyone and fighting for the same goal, living unique, unforgettable and historic experiences. .

“I still get goosebumps remembering it. I will miss it a lot: seeing the team list, taking the plane, greeting my teammates, enjoying the training sessions, the endless matches, going out to play, but not before shouting together, listening to the national anthem, to give hugs or to feel the affection of an entire country.

“Finally, I can only wish my teammates and new coach Luis de la Fuente all the luck in the world. Now I will be one more fan, I will appreciate and support our team unconditionally.

3

3

Busquets has been an ever-present figure at the base of the Spanish midfield since his debut in 2009.

Luis Enrique was his manager at Qatar but has since left his post as Spain coach to join the Paris Saint-Germain bench.

During the preparation for Qatar 2022, Enrique was keen to convince Busquets to stay with the national team, but the latter refused.

New Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has since handed the captaincy to Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.