Ilkay Gündogan of Germany Retires from International Football amidst Speculation of Club Departure

Germany's long-time captain and midfielder, Ilkay Gündogan, shocked fans by announcing his retirement from international football on Monday (Aug 19). Gündogan, who has been a crucial player in Germany's midfield for the past decade, has decided to step away from the national team amidst growing speculation about his future at Barcelona. Rumors are circulating that Gündogan may be leaving Barcelona after just one season and could be making a return to his former club, Manchester City.

Liebes Fußballdeutschland,

nach einigen Wochen Bedenkzeit bin ich zu dem Entschluss gekommen, dass es an der Zeit ist, meine Nationalmannschaftskarriere zu beenden.

Ich blicke mit sehr viel Stolz auf 82 Länderspiele für mein Heimatland zurück – eine Zahl, die ich mir so hätte… pic.twitter.com/IsU4iYCxq0

"After a few weeks of consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career," Gündogan wrote.

"I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country -- a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011.

"My highlight was definitely the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer! After all these years, we finally managed to make the nation proud again -- I'm very happy that I was able to play a part in that,” the statement further read.

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The 33-year-old has 82 international caps at the time of retirement and goes down as the legend of the game for Die Mannschaft. He was promoted to the captain’s role in September 2023 after Manuel Neuer was unable to play for the national side due to injury. He would then keep the role permanently under the regime of new head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Gündogan’s exit on the international front comes amid his Barcelona future where he has been linked away from the club. He has been reportedly told by the club directors to find a new club while manager Hansi Flick retains an interest in his fellow German. His Barcelona exit could be confirmed within the next 48 years as the Spanish giants look for reinforcement. It is reported that Manchester City are keeping close tabs while Turkish clubs also retain a strong interest in Gündogan’s who has a Turkish background.