Silva not planning Spain retirement following World Cup elimination

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The Manchester City midfielder is not looking to retire from international duty after his side’s disappointing World Cup campaign saw they exit early

Manchester City star David Silva has insisted he will not retire from international duty following Spain’s surprise elimination at the group stages of the World Cup.

The 28-year-old started in defeats to Netherlands and Chile as the holders crashed out of the competition but, although a number of players are expected to retire from international duty, Silva has insisted he is determined to keep on representing his country.

“Some of the players are growing older and other young players are coming to the fore,” Silva said at a press conference. “That’s the way it goes. I’m sure that the players who will come in to the team have plenty to add. 

“My future with Spain? I want to keep on playing for the national team. My plan is to continue, but it’s up to the coach to make a decision.”

Spain’s exit follows recent domination with back-to-back European titles and the 2010 World Cup, yet Silva believes they will now have to get used to the fact that their opponents are occasionally better.

“I think we have all made mistakes. There’s not one guilty person here. Our rivals were better than us. We should not look for excuses. We have to learn how to lose as well,”

“All domestic leagues have been following the same schedule. There’s no winter break in England, while in Spain you a break for a week or so. That’s not an excuse.

“It will be very hard for the team to travel back home with empty hands after all the success from the past few years.”

Spain lock horns with Australia in their final Group B game on Monday before travelling home again.