Hierro will quit international team after World Cup

Spain captain Fernando Hierro will quit international football after this World Cup.

The 34-year-old Real Madrid defender, whose shirt pull of Niall Quinn on Sunday allowed the Republic Ireland to score a 90th minute equaliser from the spot - Spain went on to win the game on penalties - announced his decision today.

An emotional Hierro revealed: ‘‘It was a difficult and painful decision, but the time has come and after a World Cup is probably the best moment.

‘‘I had made my mind up last December when I told the coach and the Spanish FA. That day I said the World Cup would be the last time that I would pull on a Spanish shirt.

‘‘I go away very satisfied because I have given everything for my country.’’

Hierro won the first of his 88 caps against Poland 13 years ago, and is the second most capped Spanish player after Andoni Zubizarreta, a goalkeeper.

Remarkably for a centre-back, he is the country’s top scorer with 29 goals.

Spain’s first-choice penalty-taker, he scored in the penalty shoot-out against the Irish as Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals.

When announcing his decision today, he was quick to deny suggestions he now felt he was too old to play at the highest level.

‘‘It does not have anything to do with that,’’ he said. ‘‘I believe that a stage has finished, and this is the time to dedicate myself exclusively to Real Madrid.

‘‘From now on there must be new players in the national squad who can help Spain qualify for Euro 2004.’’