Ilkay Gündogan, the Barcelona midfielder, made the difficult decision to retire from international football with Germany after having captained his nation at the European Championship this past summer. In a heartfelt post on social media, the 33-year-old expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country in 82 matches, scoring a total of 19 goals.
Gündogan cited feeling a sense of fatigue both physically and mentally even before the European Championship. The demanding schedule of playing for both his club and the national team took a toll on him, leading to his contemplation of retirement. Despite his decision to step back from international duty, he expressed his continued support for the national team and his optimism for their future success.
Gündogan’s retirement adds to the recent trend of experienced players leaving the German national team, following Thomas Müller’s announcement earlier. The team faces a period of transition after a disappointing quarterfinal exit at Euro 2024, and the departure of key players like Gündogan and Müller raises questions about the team’s future prospects in major tournaments.
While Gündogan’s international retirement is certain, his club future remains uncertain. Barcelona, where he currently plays, is grappling with registration issues that could potentially impact his status within the team. Despite rumors of his desire to leave the club, Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick is confident that Gündogan will stay for the upcoming season.
As Gündogan closes the chapter on his international career, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership and dedication to the German national team. His decision to retire signifies a shift in the team’s composition and dynamics, opening up opportunities for new talents to emerge. While his club future may be subject to speculation, Gündogan’s contributions to both the national team and Barcelona will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.