Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football with Germany on Monday after last playing on home soil in EURO 2024.
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Gundogan announces retirement from Germany
Gündogan, 33, scored 19 goals in 82 appearances for his country while serving as team captain.
However, the Barcelona midfielder played his last game with Germany during the EURO 2024 quarterfinals, where they absorbed a 2-1 defeat to Spain.
He concluded his international football career in a social media post.
“After a few weeks of consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career,” he wrote.
“I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country — a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011.”
“My highlight was definitely the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer! After all these years, we finally managed to make the nation proud again — I’m very happy that I was able to play a part in that.”
“I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team and I really hope that we can continue the upward trend together — and then there is nothing to stop us from being one of the prime contenders for the title at the 2026 World Cup. We have a fantastic coach, a really strong squad and a great team spirit.”
What’s next for Gundogan?
As for his club career, Gundogan has yet to join the Barcelona squad.
According to Spanish outlets, the German expressed his desire to leave Barcelona before the end of the transfer market.
However, Barca coach Hansi Flick said that Gundogan will stay with the club this season.
