Spain Coach Vicente del Bosque has spoken of the decision of Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez to retire from international football.
Xavi announced earlier this week that he had played his last game for La Roja and Marca reports Del Bosque as saying at an event in Marbella that he and Xavi retain a good relationship.
Del Bosque added that he may have been wrong not to play Xavi against Chile but he doesn’t feel the decision to leave out the playmaker led to his retirement.
“Xavi is a very intelligent man, we have had an excellent relationship and a mistake by the Coach will not derail the friendship and all the work of these years,” he said.
“And such a long journey can’t be limited to one game or less.
“It’s a shame Xavi is leaving. He leaves a great legacy for all generations.”
It’s been speculated that Xavi won’t be the only veteran to step away from the national team and del Bosque argued that those who have experienced past success are should be free to decide their future.
“I have great appreciation to all players and some have earned the right to make the decision they see fit,” he continued.
