Spaniard Alonso retires from international football

MADRID - Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso Wednesday said he was putting an end to his international career.

Alonso, 32, announced his decision on Twitter.

Alonso scored 16 goals in 114 Spain appearances in 11 years, leaving the national team with two European championships and a World Cup title.

He started every game at the 2010 World Cup, helping Spain win the tournament for the first time.

He joins Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, another key member of those teams, in retiring from international play after Brazil.