Gundogan Retires from Germany, Eyes Future Moves

Ilkay Gundogan has made a surprising decision to retire from international football. The 33-year-old midfielder from Barcelona announced his retirement from the Germany national team, effective immediately.

Gundogan shared his heartfelt message on social media, expressing pride in having represented Germany in 82 matches since his debut in 2011. He highlighted that leading the team as captain in the recent Euro 2024, which took place in Germany, was a significant honor.

During his international career, Gundogan scored 19 goals and played in two World Cups and two European Championships. After a successful seven seasons with Manchester City, where he achieved numerous accolades, he joined Barcelona last summer on a free transfer.

Despite having a contract with Barcelona until 2026, Gundogan’s future with the club is in question. He has garnered interest from several teams in England, Turkey, and Qatar, indicating that he may explore new opportunities.

This past season with Barcelona, Gundogan impressed with five goals and 14 assists across 51 matches. His recent performances have kept him as a valuable player, but ongoing discussions about his future may lead to a change soon.

As rumors swirl about his potential departure, it will be interesting to see where Gundogan’s career takes him next. Fans of both the player and the national team hope to see him remain a loyal supporter even after his retirement from international duty.