Xavi rubbishes retirement rumours
World Cup and European Championship winner Xavi has rubbished reports he is considering retiring from international football.
The 30-year-old midfielder needs just three more appearances to reach his century of caps, and reports in Spain have suggested the player will quit the national team when he reaches that target.
But the Barcelona star, who has been hampered by and Achilles problem this season, insists he wants to help Spain defend both their European and world crowns over the next four years.
Xavi told Marca: “I want to deny that I want to leave the Spanish national team.
“I want to go to the European Championship finals (in 2012) and to the World Cup in Brazil (in 2014).
“I don’t know where all this has come from. I want to play against Portugal (in an upcoming friendly) and in every game, even friendlies.
“I’m excited about playing for the national team. I get the feeling that my commitment is continually being doubted when I’ve never given any reason for that.
“Every time I have a press conference I have to give explanations.”