Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of the German national team, announced his
retirement from international football on Monday, following Germany's run to
the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
In a statement released by the German Football Association, Gundogan
reflected on his decision: “After several weeks of contemplation, I’ve
concluded that it’s time to end my international career.”
The 34-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday in October, expressed pride
in his 82 caps for Germany, a feat he never imagined when he debuted for the
senior team in 2011. “I look back with immense pride at the 82 international
matches I played for my country,” he said.
Gundogan, who plays for Barcelona, highlighted his tenure as captain during
Euro 2024 as a career high point. “The greatest honor was undoubtedly leading
the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer,” he added.
Gundogan made his international debut against Belgium in October 2011 but
missed Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory due to a back injury. He was also
sidelined for Euro 2016 with a dislocated kneecap.
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