Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Germany’s national football team and a highly respected figure in world football, has announced his retirement from international football. The 33-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Barcelona, made this decision shortly after leading his country at Euro 2024. Gundogan cited physical and mental exhaustion as the primary reasons for stepping down from his international duties, marking the end of an illustrious career with the German national team.
“After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career,” Gundogan announced on his social media platforms. “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.”
Gundogan’s retirement represents a significant moment in the recent history of German football, following the departures of other key players like Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller. Kroos retired from football entirely after Euro 2024, while Mueller ended his international career just last month. Gundogan, who has been a linchpin in the German midfield, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and excellence.
During Euro 2024, Gundogan captained Germany to the quarter-finals, where they faced a tough match against Spain, the eventual champions. Despite a valiant effort, Germany was eliminated after extra time, in a game that underscored the team’s resurgence after disappointing exits in the previous two World Cups and a Round of 16 defeat to England at Euro 2020. Reflecting on the tournament, Gundogan expressed pride in his team’s performance and highlighted the honor of leading his country in such a prestigious event.
“My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer,” Gundogan said. His words resonate with the sense of national pride and responsibility he carried as Germany’s captain.
Before joining Barcelona in 2023, Gundogan enjoyed a successful seven-year stint at Manchester City, where he was instrumental in the club’s dominance of English football. He won five Premier League titles and played a pivotal role in securing the UEFA Champions League title. His move to Barcelona was seen as a continuation of his illustrious club career, but the demands of playing at both the club and international levels began to take their toll.
“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,” Gundogan explained, providing insight into the pressures and demands faced by top-level athletes. The decision to retire, he noted, was made after considerable thought and reflection, emphasizing the need to prioritize his well-being and focus on the remaining years of his club career.
Despite his retirement from international football, Gundogan remains optimistic about Germany’s future prospects on the global stage. “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,” he said. Gundogan’s confidence in the team’s potential reflects his enduring connection to German football, even as he steps away from the pitch.
Gundogan’s international career began with his debut for Germany against Belgium in October 2011. Over the years, he became the first German footballer of Turkish descent to captain the national team, a milestone that highlighted his significance both on and off the field. His journey was not without challenges; he missed the 2014 World Cup, where Germany triumphed, due to a back injury, and was also sidelined for Euro 2016 because of a dislocated kneecap. Despite these setbacks, Gundogan remained a key figure in the squad, making appearances at four major international tournaments, though he was an unused squad member during Euro 2012.
Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, paid tribute to Gundogan’s leadership and contributions to the team. “Ilkay was an outstanding captain, with whom I would have liked to continue working,” Nagelsmann said. “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.” Nagelsmann’s comments reflect the high regard in which Gundogan is held by both his peers and coaches.
As Gundogan steps away from the international stage, the football world reflects on the legacy he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and excellence. His decision to retire underscores the physical and mental demands placed on modern footballers, and his contributions to the German national team will be remembered for years to come.
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