BERLIN: 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.”

Gundogan skippered the Germany team that reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain after extra time.

Gundogan admitted to feeling the effects of a busy schedule before the start of Euro 2024.

“I felt a certain tiredness in my body and head, which got me thinking. And the games at club and national level are not going to get any less.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2024