Kolkata : German skipper IIkay Gundogan has announced international retirement on Monday after leading the side in Euro 2024 quarter finals.
In a German FA statement he said, “After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career”.
Gundogan’s decision came following period of mental and physical fatigue. Too much international and club commitments resulted in this according to him.
He said, “I felt a certain tiredness in my body and also in my head, which got me thinking. And the games at club and national level are not going to get any less”.
The 33 years old threw light on his 13 years old long career in International Football since 2011, representing Germany in 82 international matches.
He said, “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”.
He highlighted being honoured leading Germany to Euro 2024 quarter finals this year.
“My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer”, added Gundogan.
He expressed that he’ll continue to support his national side despite retirement and held them as one of the major contenders of 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also appreciated the German coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team and very much hope that the upward trend can continue together – 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 their 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.
The German coach also acknowledged him & expressed his desire to work with the former skipper in future.
Julian Nagelsmann said, “Ilkay was an outstanding captain, with whom I would have liked to continue working”.
“The door to the national team is never completely closed, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best for his future, both professionally and privately”, added Nagelsmann.
Gundogan joins German greats like Thomas Muller & Toni Kroos who retired this year from Germany Football post Euro 2024.
