Iniesta calls time

Moscow, July 2: A Spain legend Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from international football here on Sunday after their shocking loss to hosts Russia in the pre-quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s a reality that today is my last match with the national team. At the individual level, a wonderful stage ends,” the hero of Spain’s only World Cup championship in 2010 told reporters at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t go through. Penalties are cruel. The guilty ones are always the players and everyone of us is responsible,” he added.

“Overall it’s probably the saddest day of my career. I leave with a bad taste in my mouth.AIt’s tough for everybody, the 34-year-old midfielder said, acknowledging his disappointment about losing to underdogs Russia on penalty kicks.

With 13 goals in 131 appearances for Spain, Iniesta was a vital part of the La Roja side that claimed the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup, where he scored the winning goal. IANS