Xabi Alonso announces retirement from international football

London, Aug 28 (ANI): Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, who plays for La Liga side Real Madrid, has announced his retirement from international football. Alonso played 114 times for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European championships. He was part of the squad that lost 5-1 to Netherlands at the World Cup in Brazil as the defending champions went out in the group stage. Alonso tweeted that he announces his retirement from international football, and added that it has been an enormous honour for 11 great years, The BBC reported. Alonso had been part of a Spain team that dominated world football following their first European championship victory in 2008. They won the World Cup two years later and added another European title in 2012. Vicente del Bosque's Spain had been among the favourites to win the World Cup this summer and their shock early exit signalled the end of an era for the players. Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez announced his retirement from international football earlier this month. Alonso made his Spain debut as a Real Sociedad player against Ecuador in April 2003. The former Liverpool player played a part in all three games at the 2014 World Cup, signing off with a 3-0 win against Australia, the report added. (ANI)