Germany’s Ilkay Gundogan retires from international football

MUNICH – Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on Aug 19 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,” the Barcelona midfielder, better known for his time playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, 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 dreamt of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011.”

His retirement follows those of veterans Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller, who are both 34. Kroos hung up his boots for good after Euro 2024, while Muller called time on his Germany career in July.

Gundogan, who also turns 34 in October, skippered the Germany team who reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain after extra time.

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

“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, who scored 19 goals for Germany in total.

The midfielder, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in seven seasons with City before joining Barcelona in 2023, 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 the games at club and national level are not going to get any less,” he said.

“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.

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

“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.”

At club level, new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he expects Gundogan to stay this season after reports linked the midfielder with a move away from the Spanish La Liga club.

The player’s contract ends in June 2025 – he is one of the top earners at the club, but Spanish media reports suggested he might leave after the signing of midfielder Dani Olmo.

Gundogan missed Barcelona’s opening league match, a 2-1 win at Valencia on Aug 17 due to a minor injury.

“(Gundogan) hurt his eyebrow on Monday and that’s why he’s staying at home,” Flick said after the game.

“I appreciate what kind of player he is and what he is like as a person. I’ve talked to him a lot, but it’s something between me and him, we have a good relationship.

“I know him well. I have the feeling that he will stay.”

Barcelona host Athletic Bilbao next in La Liga on Aug 24. REUTERS, AFP