Germany captain Gundogan retires from international football

Ilkay Gundogan gestures during the UEFA Euro 2024 

 Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday 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," Gundogan 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 dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."

His retirement follows those of Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller. Kroos hung up his boots for good after Euro 2024, while Mueller called time on his Germany career last month.

Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, skippered the Germany team that 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," said the Barcelona midfielder.

Gundogan, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in seven seasons with Manchester City before moving to Barcelona last year, 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."

By AFP