Gündoğan announces retirement from Germany national team
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gündoğan has announced his retirement from the Germany national team.
However, even before the tournament, I felt a certain fatigue in both my body and mind that made me reconsider. The number of games at both club and national levels isn’t decreasing. I will definitely continue to support this team and sincerely hope that our upward trend continues, as then nothing will stop us from being one of the main contenders for the title at the 2026 World Cup. We have a fantastic coach, a really strong squad, and excellent team spirit.
Thank you to all the fans, staff, coaches, and teammates who accompanied me on this journey. It has been an honor for me! Thank you, Germany!" Gündoğan wrote on his social media channels.
The midfielder made his debut for the German national team in October 2011. Over the course of his international career, he played 82 matches, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists. Gündoğan was unable to participate in the victorious 2014 World Cup campaign for Die Mannschaft due to injury. However, at Euro 2024, he featured in all five matches, contributing one goal and two assists.
