..::Football III::..

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Wanyama: Southampton will struggle next season

Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama believes the club could struggle this season following the sale of a number of key players.

Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert have joined Liverpool, while Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers have headed for Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.

Southampton have received over £90m in transfer fees following the sales, with Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle recruited as new boss Ronald Koeman looks to stamp his authority on the St Mary's squad.

Nevertheless, Wanyama believes fans should be patient with the club as they look to recover from the summer exodus, though he is confident a respectable league finish is achievable.

“It is going to be tough because we have a lot of new players coming in and we have to gel well and I strongly believe this will need some time,” Wanyama told Goal.

“It will not be easy as a club but we will need to work hard as a team and see how far we can go with our new signings. I think everything is in place (for a good season), it is normal in football because players come and go and our aim is to start the season on a sound note come August 16.

“We need to show that we are still a strong team like we were last season when we finished eighth in the league.”

Morgan Schneiderlin, Jay Rodriguez, Jose Fonte and Dani Osvaldo have also been linked with moves away from St Mary's, with Southampton's sales showing no signs of slowing down.

 

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Gaitan should join Monaco, says Moutinho

Monaco star Joao Moutinho has told Nico Gaitan to snub reported interest from the Premier League to join him at Stade Louis II.

Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs to be linked with the 26-year-old Argentine, who has spent the last four years in Portugal with Benfica.

Moutinho himself swapped the Primeira Liga for the principality outfit last summer and has urged Gaitan to follow suit.

"He would be a great signing. He's an excellent player," he told reporters.

"I know him well and if he comes here, his quality would help us. If not, we still have a good group."

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim, meanwhile, has hinted that he could move for Gaitain, saying he is keen to add an attacking midfielder to his squad.

"We are seeking an attacking midfielder and Gaitain meets those characteristics. His name is on the table."

 

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Barca and Madrid wanted me, claims Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that both Real Madrid and Barcelona made moves to sign him when he was at Manchester United.

The former England centre-back left Old Trafford this summer after over a decade of service at the club and has now claimed that shunning interest from abroad was easy.

"I spoke to Roma and also there was interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona at one time," he told The Express.

"But when I was at Manchester United and there was interest from other clubs I was winning things at Manchester United. So my head was never turned to go anywhere else.

"You tell someone from Manchester United or a team that's winning things that they could go abroad and you would be hard pressed to get them to go.

"If Gareth Bale had been at Manchester United and winning trophies he wouldn't have gone to Real Madrid. I was just turned on by winning. I wasn't interested in going anywhere else."

Ferdinand eventually moved to QPR this summer after his contract at United expired.

 

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Van Persie returns to Manchester United training

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has confirmed that he has returned to first-team training following his post-World Cup break.

The Dutchman was afforded a prolonged holiday due to his exploits for the Netherlands as they came third in World Cup, missing the club's tour of north America.

Meanwhile Louis van Gaal, his manager in Brazil and now at club level, claimed Van Persie is set to be rested for the Premier League opener against Swansea City, adding that he hoped the 30-year-old could get up to speed as quickly as possible.

 

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Good Luck For The International Champions Cup 2014 Final Manchester United!

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Manchester United 3-1: Liverpool: United rally claims the prize

A second-half comeback saw Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-1 to lift the International Champions Cup on Monday.Quick-fire goals from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in the second half cancelled out Steven Gerrard's opener as United claimed early bragging rights over their Premier League rivals.

Substitute Jesse Lingard completed the scoring with a fine volley from the edge of the area in the 89th minute at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.Liverpool were in control of proceedings after captain Gerrard converted a 14th-minute penalty but the Manchester club hit back in the second half.

Rooney - named captain for the fixture - put United on level terms in the 55th minute before Mata completed the turnaround with a goal of his own just two minutes later as Louis van Gaal's team ended their tour of the United States unbeaten.

Both teams will now return to England as they prepare for their Premier League openers, with United hosting Swansea City on August 16 and Liverpool entertaining Southampton the following day.United were forced to make one change to the team that started against Real Madrid, with Javier Hernandez replacing the injured Danny Welbeck in attack for the club's final match in the United States.

There were five changes to the Liverpool starting XI, as Sebastian Coates, Kolo Toure, Jack Robinson, Lucas and Jordan Ibe all made way for Gerrard, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Glen Johnson and Philippe Coutinho.

United made a composed start in Miami and were unfortunate not to take a fifth-minute lead as Sakho was on hand to scramble the ball clear ahead of the onrushing Mata following Ashley Young's teasing cross into the six-yard box.
Substitute Luke Shaw was called upon in the eighth minute due to an injury to United wing-back Antonio Valencia.

Liverpool began to cause problems and Brendan Rodgers' men were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute after United defender Phil Jones fouled Raheem Sterling.
Gerrard stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, sending goalkeeper David de Gea the wrong way.

Liverpool controlled the half from that point with their high-tempo pressing causing United problems and the Merseyside outfit thought they had another spot-kick in the 33rd minute when Sterling was brought down under a challenge from Ander Herrera, but the referee waved away appeals.

Sterling was in the thick of action within five minutes of the restart, with his deflected shot flashing just wide of the post.

But whatever Van Gaal said during his half-time team talk worked as United restored parity 10 minutes into the second half courtesy of Rooney, who was on the end of Hernandez's cross to side-foot the ball into the far corner of the net - his fifth goal on tour.

It got better for United two minutes later when Mata beat goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from the edge of the area, albeit with a deflection off Sakho, before Lingard's fine finish late on.

 

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Congratulations Manchester United!

US Tour 1ke Performance patta

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Napoli boss Benitez hopeful over Fellaini transfer

Rafael Benitez says that Napoli are waiting for Manchester United to make a decision on the future of transfer target Marouane Fellaini.

The Serie A club have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder, who joined the Red Devils from Everton for €34 million last summer.

New United boss Louis van Gaal has revealed that he will speak personally to those whom he has deemed surplus to requirements and Benitez is now hoping for a "positive change" in Fellaini's situation following the Old Trafford outfit's return from their pre-season tour of the United States.

"Fellaini is a Manchester United player - it does not depend on us but it depends on them," the Napoli boss told the press.

"He is a great player but he is at another team. It appears he is waiting for Van Gaal. We will have to wait.

"Is he the right player? We have players who work very well, while it also depends on who leaves. It is not easy to name names.

"What features in a midfielder am I after? Players who have the mindset to win every game, then we can start to talk about the technical quality. With our same mentality but with a little more quality."

Fellaini made 16 Premier League appearances for United last season but failed to score, as he became a source of frustration among many fans at Old Trafford.

 

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Real Madrid the best club on the planet - Keylor Navas

Keylor Navas believes he has joined the "best club in the world" after completing his dream move to Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper starred for Levante in La Liga last season before then enjoying a superb World Cup campaign, helping Costa Rica to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the country's history.

Navas' form did not go unnoticed and European champions Real Madrid finalised a deal to bring him to Santiago Bernabeu on a six-year deal on Sunday after weeks of speculation.

The 27-year-old, who joins Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez as the Blancos' shot-stopping options, was formally presented to the press at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday and was ecstatic to be joining the European champions.

"Today is the biggest day of my career," Navas told reporters in the Spanish capital. "This is what I really wanted and now I am part of the best club in the world.

"I will give everything for this shirt in every practice and in every game that I play; I hope to help Real Madrid get many titles.

"I want to thank Real Madrid for trusting me and I thank God for making my dream come true."

Madrid president Florentino Perez insisted the club have every confidence in the Costa Rican, who is expected to compete with captain Iker Casillas for the No.1 jersey this term.

"We have an excellent team, but we must also strengthen it," the Blancos supremo said. "We have special and unique challenges, such as the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

"Thus, today we present one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Navas has demonstrated in recent years his huge professionalism, his sacrifice and his quality. He had offers from some of the top clubs, but wanted to play here.

"Welcome home, Keylor. It will be the first time a player from Costa Rica play here, you'll have the honour and pride to do so. All Costa Rica will be at your side, and all Real Madrid fans around the world."

Navas' arrival is set to result in the departure of Lopez, even thought the former Sevilla man was Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice shot-stopper for the majority of the 2013-14 Liga campaign.

 

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Liverpool boss Rodgers thrilled by 'outstanding' Sterling

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reserved praise for Raheem Sterling's "outstanding" performance against Manchester United despite a 3-1 defeat.

The Reds were beaten in a pre-season clash in Miami on Monday but the 19-year-old won his side a penalty in the first half, continuing the fine form that won him a World Cup place earlier this summer.

Rodgers told the press: "I thought [Sterling] was outstanding and he was a real threat. He is tactically aware for such a young player and he is so exciting to watch. When he runs at defenders he can create many opportunities.

"At 19 years of age he is a real talent and he is getting better all the time."

Despite the loss, Rodgers is pleased with how his side are shaping up as they prepare to face Southampton in their Premier League opener on August 17.

"I thought it was a really good game and both teams have had a very good workout out here," he remarked. "I thought we were well worth the lead and had a couple more chances to increase that and it looked like maybe we should have had another penalty.

"We conceded a disappointing equaliser and then very quickly conceded another one so the game started to get stretched a bit but, overall, I'm delighted with the whole tournament and what it's done for us.

"We have worked very hard and we will leave here with plenty of positives and look forward to the new season.

"The condition of the players that we have at the moment is very good. We've obviously got a few missing but certainly, by Southampton, we will be ready and we are looking forward to it."

 

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Tottenham to launch €20 million Depay bid

Tottenham are preparing a bid in excess of €19 million for PSV sensation Memphis Depay.

The 20-year-old left winger - whose current deal runs until 2017 - was one of the highlights for the Netherlands at the World Cup and has been attracting interest from Manchester United, but Spurs are set to make the first move.

United boss Louis van Gaal, who brought the best out of Depay as he led Netherlands to third place in Brazil before stepping down to take over at Old Trafford, has advised the youngster to remain at PSV for another season.

The former Bayern Munich coach has privately told Depay that his career would be best served by remaining in the Eredivisie for a further season before seeking a transfer abroad, potentially to United.

But now Depay appears to be ready to move on in the current window and claimed on Saturday that he would consider his future should offers arrive from Europe's top leagues.

He told De Telegraaf: "I'm having a good time at PSV but, if big clubs from big leagues come to me, I will think about it. There is more than enough interest but it is also an option to stay at PSV.

"I understand that the fans want me to play in Eindhoven next season. I see a lot of children with my name on their shirt. I'm proud of that but I'm the one who decides how my career looks and no one else."

Van Gaal will likely now have to act fast if he wants to seal a deal to take Depay to Old Trafford, with Spurs ready to signal their intent with a big opening offer.

PSV, for their part, are willing to sell one of their prized assets, although the Premier League duo could face competition from some of Europe's other elite clubs, with Real Madrid also keeping tabs on Depay's situation.

New Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has already brought in Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Michel Vorm this summer and is closing in on a deal for centre-back Mateo Musacchio, while Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin could also make the switch to White Hart Lane.

 

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Depay pattanext Christiano Ronaldo kiyalane kiyanne​

 

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Top three still Milan's aim, says Zapata

AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata is insistent the Rossoneri remain confident of finishing in Serie A's top three despite a woeful pre-season so far.

Filippo Inzaghi's first test as Milan coach saw him steer the Serie A club to three losses at the International Champions Cup - a pre-season friendly tournament that pitted them against Olympiakos, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Milan scored just once - against City - while shipping 10 goals, as their bid for a fresh start on the back of last season's eighth-place finish in Serie A failed to gain any momentum.

With their season opener against Lazio on August 31 edging closer, Zapata insisted that the Rossoneri's aims had not changed regardless of the poor US tour results.
"Let's hope that this year things can go better. We want to finish as high as we possibly can, the target is to get into the top three," the Colombian told the club's official website.

"We are working to create a good group, that's what Inzaghi is working towards. We need to be ready for the start of the season."The boss looks you in the eye when he talks to you and that is important. He is giving confidence to everyone and that is vital for a player.

"I'm pleased with how preparation is going. I am very motivated to have a great season with Milan. I put a lot of faith in this shirt. We are trying to take Milan as high as we can."

 

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Neymar and Messi back in Barcelona training

Barcelona star duo Neymar and Lionel Messi returned to training on Tuesday after their post-World Cup holidays along with Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves.

Argentina's run to the final was thanks in large parts to Barca's Messi and Mascherano, while Alves played a part in Brazil's fourth-place finish at the World Cup, and new coach Luis Enrique now has the trio back available for selection in pre-season.

The back injury which ruled Neymar out of Brazil's World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany and the third-place play-off loss to Netherlands was evaluated by the Catalunya club's medical team and he will continue his recovery with a separate training regime.

"Neymar underwent a check up on his back injury with Barca this morning, with the club doctors expressing their satisfaction with his recovery which will continue with a specific training programme," a statement read. "His recovery will be monitored before a decision is made on a full return to training."

The returning players will train on Tuesday while the rest of La Liga's runners up in 2013-14 have been given the afternoon off.

Players who featured at the World Cup have been trickling back into Barca's squad for weeks since training recommenced under Luis Enrique on July 14, with those eliminated in the group stages being brought back first and the early knockout phase competitiors coming shortly afterwards.

Barca's pre-season schedule has been relatively low key so far, with just a 1-0 win over Recreativo Huelva and a 1-1 draw with Nice in three weeks of preparations for 2014-15.

However, they have three more friendlies scheduled - against Napoli, HJK and Leon - before they kick off their Liga season at home to Elche on Sunday August 24.

Following a season that ended with just the Supercopa to show for their efforts, Gerardo Martino's replacement Luis Enrique will be hoping to bring more notable successes back to Camp Nou this campaign.

Argentine duo return | Lionel Messi is joined by Javier Mascherano at training on Tuesday

Catching up | Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi in discussion at Barcelona's Sports Center in Sant Joan Despi

 

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Dempsey refuses to rule out European loan move

Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey has refused to rule out another loan move at the end of the 2014 MLS season.

The USA international, who impressed at the World Cup this summer, became the highest-paid player in the American league when he was signed from Tottenham last year, but spent a brief spell back at his former club Fulham in the off-season.

Although his contract only permitted one temporary winter switch, Dempsey suggested that he is yet to make his mind up whether he will push for a trip to Europe once again in early 2015.

"I’m not saying definitely no, and not saying definitely yes," the American attacker told Goal ahead of starring for an MLS All-Star team in a friendly against Bayern Munich this week.

"The way the contract was structured, I was able to make one loan move during the time that I was here and I’ve already used that up, so it’s one of those situations."

USA are set to host the Copa America Centenario in two years' time, one summer after the 2015 edition which the Concacaf giants will not be involved in, and the 31-year-old is desperate to be involved in the tournament.

“For me, I just hope that I’m part of the plans and I definitely want to push for Copa America for sure because it’s a tournament I’ve never had an opportunity to play in," Dempsey continued.

"I’ve always watched those games. Most of the time it's been in South America but, with it being on American soil in 2016, playing in a competition like that would be pretty awesome.

"Hopefully that’s in the cards for me, but it’s not my decision. I have to work hard and make sure I’m playing well to even get called in and I have to see if I’ll even be a part of the plans.

"Copa America is something that is bigger to me than the 2016 Olympics, just because in the Olympics it’s a situation where you have younger players and the possibility of bringing in a few older players, where Copa America is a chance to play against the best competition in the world between North, Central and South America.

"So I view the Copa America as more prestigious. No disrespect to the Olympics, it’s just the way that the sport is set up for the Olympics."

Dempsey was one of 11 players voted into the MLS All-Star team by league fans and they will come up against Pep Guardiola's Bayern on Thursday at 03:55CET.

 

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Pogba to be given new attacking role - Allegri

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has revealed his plans to utilise Paul Pogba in a more attacking role this season as he bids to succeed Antonio Conte in style.

The Bianconeri won three Scudetti in a row and dominated Italian football under Conte but, following the coach's resignation last month over frequent disagreements with the board, Allegri was handed the Turin reins this summer.

Pogba, brought to Serie A from Manchester United two years ago, is one of Juve's prize possessions, stamped his authority on the first team last season but Allegri claims that the French midfielder will be ushered into a more forward-minded role in 2014-15.

"I will try to use Pogba more in attack," the coach told reporters in Indonesia as Juventus embark on a tour of South East Asia.

"He is one of the best young players in the world, with enormous technical and physical qualities. Having said that, there is also still plenty of room for improvement."

Pogba and fellow Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal have been persistently linked with a transfer away from Italy this summer but Allegri says both are content with life in Turin.

"Vidal and Pogba are delighted to be here and I am delighted to coach them," the former AC Milan coach added.

Pogba, who claims he has no plans to leave the reigning Italian champions, was equally gushing with praise for his new trainer and says Juventus have adjusted to life without Conte with ease.

"Conte and Allegri are two of the best coaches around and the atmosphere was immediately pretty good," the France international stated.

"We are motivated and ready to work successfully with Allegri. Conte's gone and now we have Allegri, we are ready to work together in absolute harmony.

"I am very happy to play for Juve, I am just focused on playing right now, the future does not concern me, I live in the present.

"I am not thinking of my contract and do not have meetings scheduled with Juventus chiefs. My goal is to continue to do well on the pitch."

 

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Coates weighing up Liverpool future

Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates admits that he could be forced to leave Anfield if he does not play regularly.

Coates has made just 12 Premier League appearances for Liverpool since arriving at the club from Nacional in 2011, with a serious knee injury forcing him to miss most of last season.

The 23-year-old Uruguay international spent the second half of the 2013-14 campaign on loan at former club Nacional and is now attempting to work his way into Brendan Rodgers' plans, starting three of Liverpool's four pre-season friendlies in the United States.

But with new recruit Dejan Lovren adding to the pool of central defenders that now includes Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Agger and Kolo Toure, Coates knows his time in Merseyside could be limited.

"Last season was really difficult. I had a bad injury and after being out for so long it's great to be back fit," Coates told the Liverpool Echo.

"I try always to give my best and I know I need to improve more on the others years that I've been here.

"The manager is watching me closely, like he is with all the other players, and I need to keep performing well.

"It's good for the club to have signed a player like [Dejan] Lovren and it's good for me to have that kind of competition as you always learn from playing with good players.

"I would like to stay at Liverpool and play but that's not just down to me. It depends on the manager and the club. They will decide what happens.

"After being out for so long, I need to play. If I do stay I want to play more than I did in the other years."

Coates also insists that the departure of fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez to Barcelona would not determine his own future.

"Just because Luis has gone that doesn't mean that I want to go," Coates said.

"He's a different player and a different person. I must take care of my own future."

 

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Kovacic: I need 10 goals a season

Inter midfielder Mateo Kovacic has set himself the challenge of hitting double figures this season and insisted he is not a complete player until he hits that target.

The 20-year-old has not scored a single goal for the Nerazzurri since arriving in early 2013, despite making 45 Serie A appearances for the San Siro club, and he is determined to turn up his attacking intent.

"As a kid, I would often pass to my team-mates instead of looking to score myself," Kovacic told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "But I have to change.

"Only when I score 10 goals a season will I be a complete player. But I'm always at the centre of the group - when the team does well, I grow too."

Kovacic has been suffering from a calf problem lately and has played very little in pre-season but he is expected to be fit for the start of the 2014-15 Serie A season, when Walter Mazzarri's men will try to better last campaign's fifth-placed finish.

When asked if he would rather achieve Champions League qualification by finishing third or win the Europa League, the Croatia international suggested that lifting the second-tier European trophy would be preferential.

"It's hard to chose, but I think perhaps it is better to raise a cup," he added.

Inter are next in action on August 10 when they will face Eintracht Frankfurt before Europa League play-offs and Serie A kick into gear later in the month.

 

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Casillas convinced to stay at Real Madrid by Hierro

Iker Casillas has been convinced to prolong his Real Madrid career after conversations with former team-mate Fernando Hierro.

The 33-year-old's future at the club has been shrouded in doubt this summer, with question marks remaining over whether Diego Lopez or new signing Keylor Navas could displace the veteran from Carlo Ancelotti's plans completely.

However, Goal understands that Casillas has been encouraged to continue his 15-year association with the senior side at Santiago Bernabeu after talks with former Madrid and Spain central defender Hierro.

Dropped by former boss Jose Mourinho in favour of Antonio Adan in a Liga clash with Malaga in December 2012, Casillas became second choice behind Diego Lopez for the remainder of the campaign and was restricted to Copa del Rey and Champions League performances under Carlo Ancelotti last season.

The Spain captain, who endured a torrid time at the World Cup, became despondent at Santiago Bernabeu as his struggled to regain his spot as undisputed No.1, even despite helping Madrid to their historic 10th Champions League title.

With Lopez maintaining his form throughout the Liga campaign last term, Casillas had been forced to consider his future even before the arrival of Navas from Levante, despite Ancelotti's public defence of the player and his assurance that he will play in the Uefa Super Cup against Sevilla.

The return of Hierro to the club, as assistant to Ancelotti, has served to change his mind. Though the players had their differences earlier in Casillas' career - the keeper blamed both Hierro and coach Vicente del Bosque for ensuring he be dropped for the Champions League final in 2002 - his time with the national team helped to repair and strengthen their relationship, and it is after a series of discussions with the 46-year-old that Casillas has commited to staying at the club.

Diego Lopez's future, meanwhile, is far from certain, as Goal understands he is ready to leave the club after slipping beneath both Casillas and Navas in the pecking order, despite a number of Madrid supporters firmly backing the player to continue as No.1 and Ancelotti's insistence he remains valued within the set-up.

 

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Xavi retires from international football

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has announced his decision to retire from international football at the age of 34.

Xavi was instrumental as Spain won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010, but is calling time on a glittering international career after 133 games and 13 goals for La Roja.

The 34-year-old had been set to leave Barcelona earlier this summer, but has been persuaded to stay for one more season by coach Luis Enrique and will now concentrate on club football following Spain's disappointing World Cup campaign at Brazil 2014.

Xavi was named as the best player in Euro 2008 as Spain won their first international trophy since 1964 and added the World Cup and another continental championship in 2010 and 2012, respectively.

"I have decided to leave the national team - my time has come to an end," the midfielder announced in a press conference on Tuesday. "I'm grateful to everyone at the Federation. It has been a marvellous time over so many years and with so many successes."

And he added: "I'm leaving with pride and I wish them all the best. Now I'll be watching them as a fan."

The midfielder also confirmed he had changed his mind about Barcelona, claiming he thought his time with the Catalan club was over after the disappointment of Spain's first-round exit at the World Cup in June and missing out on the major silverware at the end of last season with the Blaugrana.

"I want people to understand that I thought my time had come to an end," he said. "I was so disappointed and I decided to leave Barca, but that decision was premature. Luis Enrique and Zubi (sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta) convinced me that I can be useful.

"I ended up disppointed last season. I didn't feel useful for Barcelona or for the national team. They were two of the biggest disappointments of my life."