In a surprising turn of events, Spanish midfielder Marcos Llorente has declared his retirement from international football, a decision that has left many fans of La Roja in shock. The announcement came via Llorente's social media on Thursday, marking the end of his international career just six years after his debut.
The 31-year-old, who plays for Atletico Madrid, shared his thoughts in a heartfelt Instagram post. He emphasized that his choice to step away from the national team was a deeply personal one and unrelated to his participation in the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup. Llorente expressed his belief that he still has several productive years ahead in his club career and felt honored to have represented Spain on the international stage.
“I am aware that I am still young and that, perhaps, if I continued doing things well, I could still have years left to play in this shirt,” Llorente wrote. He acknowledged that many might not understand his decision, noting, “I know many of you will not understand, and, surely, I would not have understood it either from the outside.”
Despite his retirement, Llorente reflected on the unforgettable experiences he had while playing for Spain, particularly highlighting the last 52 days with the national squad. “I will take everything I have experienced with me, but above all, these last 52 days. With a wonderful group that fought until the end to leave Spain at the very top. And that is exactly what they did,” he stated.
Llorente's international career includes 27 caps for Spain, during which he did not score any goals. He was part of the squad for major tournaments such as Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, where he contributed to Spain's success in winning the World Cup earlier this July. His decision to retire now, after such a significant achievement, adds a layer of complexity to his career.
In his farewell message, Llorente expressed immense gratitude to everyone who had been part of his journey with the national team. “It has been an honour to represent my country and to be part of this history. Thank you for everything. A big hug to everyone,” he concluded.
As Spain moves forward in the international football scene, Llorente's departure will be felt, especially among fans who cherished his contributions. His decision may also open opportunities for younger players to step into the national team as Spain prepares for future competitions.
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