New Delhi: Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football after his last assignment for the team, which saw him lead the side to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Gundogan had made 82 appearances for Germany, scoring 19 times. It brings down the curtains over a career spread over a decade and saw participation in four major tournaments.
Liebes Fußballdeutschland,
nach einigen Wochen Bedenkzeit bin ich zu dem Entschluss gekommen, dass es an der Zeit ist, meine Nationalmannschaftskarriere zu beenden.
Ich blicke mit sehr viel Stolz auf 82 Länderspiele für mein Heimatland zurück – eine Zahl, die ich mir so hätte… pic.twitter.com/IsU4iYCxq0
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 19, 2024
Announcing his retirement on social media, the 33-year-old cited physical and mental taxation for the decision. Gundogan mentioned that he had “reflected” on the future of his career and that it was in the best interest of everyone for him to discontinue his journey with his national team. Gundogan debuted against Belgium in 2011 but was excluded from the 2014 World Cup squad due to injury.
Barcelona’s midfielder led Euro 2024 hosts Germany to the quarter-final in the summer, where they lost to eventual champions Spain. Despite the failure to capture the championship, the tournament was a revival of the German side that had failed to reach the knockout stage of the previous two World Cups and was knocked out by England in Euro 2020’s Round of 16.
In his departing message, he wished the team success and noted that the team were favourites to win the 2026 World Cup under coach Julian Nagelsmann. He further mentioned that former German coach Hansi Flick had created a positive environment in the team and was one of the reasons for the side’s current success. With his retirement coming months after Toni Kroos stepped down from football, there is a big void that Germany will need to fill very soon.
Throughout his career, he was known for his athleticism and leadership skills. Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola referred to Gundogan as one of the best players he had ever worked with. Nagelsmann reacted to the news and acknowledged Flick’s vision and leadership skills. While wishing Gundogan well for his future, Nagelsmann mentioned that the “door is never closed.” While the former Manchester City midfielder could never win a major tournament for his nation, he does leave behind a legacy hard to replicate.
Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from the international arena on social media a month after his side crashed out of Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
