Gundogan calls time on international career

BERLIN — Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday after leading his country at Euro 2024, citing "a certain tiredness", both physically and mentally.

"After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career," Gundogan wrote on social media.

"I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country — a number that I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."

His retirement follows that of Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller. Kroos hung up his boots for good after Euro 2024, while Muller called time on his Germany career last month.

Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, skippered the Germany team that reached the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, before losing to eventual champion Spain after extra time.

Despite the pain of that defeat, Germany demonstrated it is a force to be reckoned with again after the disappointment of successive World Cup group-stage exits that came either side of a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020.

"My highlight was clearly the huge honor of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer," said the Barcelona midfielder.

Gundogan, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in seven seasons with Manchester City before moving to Barcelona last year, admitted to feeling the effects of a busy schedule before the start of Euro 2024.

"I felt a certain tiredness in my body, and also in my head, which got me thinking. And there are not going to be fewer games at club and international level," he said.

"I will definitely continue to be a fan of the national team, and very much hope that the upward trend can continue — and then there is nothing to stop us from being one of the main title contenders at the 2026 World Cup.

"We have a fantastic coach, a really strong team and a great team spirit."

Gundogan made his debut for Germany against Belgium in October 2011, but missed its 2014 World Cup triumph with a back injury. He was also ruled out of Euro 2016 due to a dislocated kneecap.

He became the first German footballer of Turkish descent to captain the national team, and appeared at four major tournaments. He was also an unused squad member at Euro 2012.

"Ilkay was an outstanding captain, with whom I would have liked to have continued working," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

"The door to the national team is never completely closed, but we respect his decision and we wish him all the best for his future, both professionally and privately."

AFP