Legendary defender announces retirement

Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old star made the announcement on Thursday after he was told he will not be part of new Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s plans.

According to Ramos, De la Fuente called him and said he would not be selected regardless of his form with Paris Saint-Germain.

The defender made 180 appearances for Spain, more than any other player and scored 23 goals.

Ramos won the 2010 World Cup as well as back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

“With a heavy heart, it is the end of a road which I hoped would end with a better taste or on a part with which we achieve with La Roja.

“I honestly believe this journey deserved to end at my choosing or because my performances were not at a level worthy of the national team — not due to a question of age or other reasons,” he posted on social media.’