By DPA
Zaragoza (Spain) : Two days after a 0-3 loss to arch rival Brazil in the final of the Copa America Cup, Argentina captain Roberto Ayala confirmed Tuesday that he will no longer play for the national team.
The defender, 34, was presented as Zaragoza's new signing and explained that he had already informed Argentine football officials about his decision.
Ayala is the most capped player in the history of the Argentine team, with 115 games.
He played the recent Copa America and played an unfortunate part in Sunday's final against Brazil, which Argentina lost by 0-3 with an own goal from Ayala.
"It is a decision that I had taken long ago and with which what happened in the Copa America final has nothing to do. Quite simply, I think that cycles end and that mine in the national team has come so," Ayala said.
He explained that he spoke to national coach Alfio Basile and with his team members at the end of the Copa America in Venezuela to tell them about his decision.
Ayala now faces a new challenge after signing with Zaragoza for three seasons.
"There are times when the national team wears you down a lot and maybe I am not giving what it expects from me. Now I want to perform well at my new club to be able to obtain a title," he said.