Spain's David Villa to retire from international football after World Cup

David Villa, former Valencia, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid player, announced Monday that he will retire from international football after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

In an exclusive interview to EFE, Villa said that he wished he could play for the Spanish national team until he is 50, yet one needed to be realistic.

Villa, 32, was selected by national team coach, Vicente del Bosque, in the final squad list which will play in Brazil 2014.

“I spoke with del Bosque and he understands my decision,” added Villa who is the all-time top scorer for Spain with 58 goals.

The Spaniard said that he thought a lot about his decision to retire internationally, which seems logical as he is growing older, yet he did not wish to announce it before start of the Brazil World Cup with La Furia Roja.

About Diego Costa, who is born in Brazil but opted to play for Spain in the World Cup, Villa praised him as a distinctive player with a lot of potential, and he will serve the national team well.

Villa spoke about his stint with Atletico Madrid, praising it as a great experience which ended with winning La Liga title for the first time for Los Rojiblancos in 16 years.

Villa did not mind ending his professional career with Sporting Gijon where he started as a youngster.

The Spaniard recently signed with Major League Soccer (MLS) side New York City FC.

IANS