Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has paid tribute to Xavi Hernandez following the midfielder's decision to retire from international football.
The 34-year-old brought the curtain down on his glittering 14-year career playing for La Roja on Tuesday.
Xavi was a key part of the side that won the 2010 World Cup, as well as the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
"I would like to show my recognition to a fantastic player. We have lost a unique player in the national team and it will be difficult to find another one like him," Del Bosque is quoted as saying by Goal.com.
"Xavi has been key in Spain's style and in all the success achieved. We'll miss him so much on and off the pitch."
Xavi made a total of 133 appearances for Spain, scoring 13 goals in the process.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
