MADRID (AP) — Marcos Llorente, a celebrated member of Spain's World Cup-winning squad, has officially announced his retirement from the national team as of Thursday. The 31-year-old right back, who earned 27 caps during his international career, shared the news via an emotional post on Instagram.
In his announcement, Llorente described his decision as a "very carefully considered" personal choice. Accompanying his heartfelt message was a photograph of him proudly holding the World Cup trophy, a symbol of the triumph he helped secure for Spain in July. He revealed that he had contemplated this decision prior to the World Cup, indicating that it was not made lightly.
“I am aware that I am still young and that, perhaps, if I continued to do things well, I still had years left to play in this jersey,” Llorente reflected in his post. He acknowledged that his choice might be difficult for some to understand, stating, “I know that many of you won’t understand, and I probably wouldn’t have understood it from the outside either. But it is a personal decision, very carefully considered and, above all, deeply felt.”
Llorente expressed immense gratitude towards those he met throughout his career, highlighting the unique and unforgettable moments he experienced with the national team. He particularly cherished the last 52 days, during which he was part of a remarkable group that fought tirelessly to elevate Spain to the top of international football.
Making his debut for the national team in 2020, Llorente's journey included participation in the 2022 World Cup. However, he was not part of the squad that claimed victory in the 2024 European Championship. His contributions to the team and his presence in key matches have left a lasting impact on Spanish football.
“It has been an honor to represent my country and be a part of this history,” he concluded, encapsulating the pride he felt during his tenure with the national team.
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