Busquets, Albiol, De Gea join Ramos as Spain team captains

Defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets, centre-back Raul Albiol and goalkeeper David de Gea on Thursday joined defender Sergio Ramos as Spain's national team captains.

The decision for new captains was taken in the first international camp after Spain's 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign, to replace the legendary Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Gerard Pique, after the trio's retirement from international play, reports Efe.

Spain competed in the World Cup held in Russia between June 14-15, in which they were knocked out in the round of 16 on a penalty shootout with the Russian hosts.

In new coach Luis Enrique's roster for the upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes, Ramos, the first captain, is the player who has made the most appearances for Spain with 156 matches, followed by Busquets at 107 matches.

Albiol, who returned to the national team after a three year absence, has participated in 51 international matches and De Gea has been active in 33 Spanish team matches.

Spain are set to kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign against England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, and will then host Croatia three days later.

--IANS

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