Spain legend Andres Iniesta confirmed his retirement from international football following his nation's round-of-16 elimination to Russia.
The midfielder started on the bench against Russia, with Fernando Hierro opting to leave him out of the starting XI in favour of Asensio.
Iniesta was later subbed on and also scored during the penalty shootout, but his fairy-tale finish to an illustrious Spain career wasn't to be.
'This was my last game for Spain,' Iniesta told reporters. 'A marvellous spell is over. Sometimes the end is not as you dreamed it.
'It's bad, it's tough. It's a difficult moment, one we have been through on various occasions - we weren't capable of going that little bit extra.
'The critics don't matter so much; we are angry because we weren't capable of taking another step and we didn't rise to the occasion, despite trying everything.
'On a personal level, it wasn't my dream farewell, but these things happen in life.'
Iniesta scored the World Cup-winning goal in extra time back in 2010, and also played an integral part in both the Euro-winning sides in 2008 and 2012.
The 34-year-old also departed Barcelona this summer following their La Liga win, opting to play for Japanese side Vissel Kobe instead.
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