Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan has officially retired from international football, announcing his decision on Monday following his leadership at Euro 2024.
“After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career,” Gundogan said in a German FA statement.
“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.”
The 33-year-old midfielder led Germany to the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they were defeated by eventual champions Spain in extra time.
“My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer,” said the Barcelona midfielder.
Gundogan made his debut for the national team in October 2011 against Belgium, but missed out on the 2014 World Cup victory due to a back injury. He also had to sit out of Euro 2016 because of a dislocated kneecap.
