Germany Skipper Gundogan Announces Retirement From International Football
Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan has announced his retirement from international football at age 33.
The Barcelona midfielder made his debut in 2011 and went on to win 82 caps for his country, with 19 of those coming as captain.
After missing Germany's victorious 2014 World Cup campaign and EURO 2016 through injury, Gundogan featured for the Die Mannschaft at the 2018 World Cup, EURO 2020, 2022 World Cup and EURO 2024.
In a statement posted to X, Gundogan wrote: "After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career.
"I look back with great pride on 82 caps for my home country – a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my senior debut in 2011.
"My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championships this summer!
"After all these years, we have finally succeeded in making the nation proud again – the fact that I was able to play a part in this makes me very happy.
"But even before the tournament, I felt a certain tiredness in my body, and also in my head, which made me think, and the games at club level are not getting less.
"I will definitely remain a fan of this national team and very much hope that the upward trend can be continued together, and there is nothing to stop us from being one of the closest title contenders at the 2026 World Cup."
Gundogan's future at club level is currently unclear, with reports suggesting the former Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund man is exploring a move away from Barcelona after just one season.
