Ilkay Gundogan, a vastly experienced midfielder and captain for Germany national team, has called time on international football this summer.
Gundogan’s retirement is coming after Germany was eliminated in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on home turf, having lost 2-1 to Spain. He captained the team in the tournament which is his last assignment on the international scene. The 33-year-old midfielder won 82 caps, scoring 19 goals as a German international.
Ilkay Gundogan Manchester City Exit in 2023
In the spring of 2023, Manchester City lost the talismanic midfielder on a free transfer. He left the club having won the Premier League, FA Cup,and UEFA Champions League in seven seasons.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder left Manchester City as a top player. His leadership qualities on and off the pitch were noted by City boss Pep Guardiola and he departed as the team’s captain in his last season.
Why IIkay Gundogan wants to return to Man City
IIkay Gundogan had an underwhelming first season with Barcelona. He played 51 games, scoring 5 goals with 4 assists. Even though it is quite a decent record for a La Liga debutant, it doesn’t measure up to those very high standards he set up at Manchester City.
According to reports, he is frustrated with his condition at the club under new manager Hansi Flick. Under the former Bayern Munich manager, he has played only once in six matches.
In the opening 2024-25 La Liga match against Valencia, Gundogan was left out of the squad. The decision by Flick to leave out the German footballer did not augur well for the player, who would call for his exit, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hansi Flick wants the player to stay and has confirmed talks with him to sort out his place in the team. Such a gesture is apparently coming late as the German footballer has made up his mind to leave.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are said to be open to the player’s return with Pep Guardiola hopeful of having the former captain back.
IIkay Gundogan with Germany national team
Ilkay Gundogan’s career across his home nation and for Germany was always something quite extraordinary. Ever since his debut in the senior squad, he was considered a visionary midfielder.
He became a vital part in Germany’s team in campaigns at UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. Repetitive bad injuries made him missed international action on multiple occasions, but he would frequently returned to the apex of his game after recovery.
However, he has now exited the stage after a 13-year run with the team. Notably, Gundogan is leaving the German national team without winning a single trophy.
After making his debut for Germany in 2011, the footballer missed out of the team’s 2014 World Cup campaign due to injury. Germany went on to win the tournament.
It was understood the 2024 Euros was set to be his last dance with the team as he nears the twilight of his career. So, his retirement is not more of a surprise.
What is next for Gundogan?
We are counting down to Gundogan’s return to the Premier League following his deadlock at Barcelona. He is more likely to leave the La Liga side this summer after falling down the pecking order.
