Midfielder Ilkay Gündogan will step down from Germany's national football team.
Gündogan has announced his retirement from the national team. He replaced Manuel, the goalkeeper who was away due to injury in the last two years, as the captain of the "tank corps." Only former German coach Han Ji-flick and Julian Nagelsmann wore the captain's armband under the current coach.
After moving from Manchester City to FC Barcelona through the summer transfer market, Gündogan announced his retirement from the national team on Tuesday. It has been 13 years since he made his A-match debut in 2011.
Germany scored one goal and two assists at the 2024 UEFA Euro, which was held in the country this summer, helping Germany advance to the quarterfinals. However, the team failed to secure the trophy for the German national team. The total number of A matches is 19 goals in 82 matches.
"After weeks of deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that I have to finish my career in the national team," Gündogan said, announcing his retirement.
"I am very proud of the fact that I played 82 times for my country's national team in 2011, which I could never have dreamed of when I was an adult. It was my greatest honor to lead my team as a captain at this summer's Euro tournament at home," he recalled. 메이저놀이터
He also revealed specific reasons for his retirement. "Over a long period of time, I succeeded in making the German team proud again. I am satisfied that I was able to play a role in the process. However, even before the competition, I felt physically and mentally tired. I didn't think the club-level matches were decreasing."
Guendoan will continue his career in Barcelona. "I will continue to be a fan of the national team," Guendoan said. "I sincerely hope that the team will continue to rise and become one of the strongest candidates for the 2026 World Cup." He wished the German team a healthy life.