İlkay Gündoğan Hangs Up His International Boots With Germany, As His Barcelona Club Future Remains Uncertain

Ilkay Gundogan has confirmed he’s hanging up his international boots just after the Euro 2024 tournament.

The 33-year-old captained the national team at the European tournament in the summer but has now decided to call time on his international career.

He wrote a lengthy post on social media confirming his decision to retire after 82 caps with Die Mannschaft.

“Dear football Germany, After a few weeks of consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career. 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 Championships 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.

“But even before the tournament, I felt a certain tiredness in my body and also in my head, which got me thinking. And the games at club and national level are not getting any less.

“I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team and I really hope that we can continue the upward trend together - and then there is nothing to stop us from being one of the closest contenders for the title at the 2026 World Cup.

“We have a fantastic coach, a really strong team and a great team spirit. Thanks to all the fans, staff, coaches and teammates who have accompanied me on this journey. It was an honor! Thank you, Germany! Your Ilkay.”

The move comes at a time when Gundogan’s club future is also uncertain. It’s thought he could leave Barcelona after one season after opting to leave Manchester City on a free transfer following their treble win.

It's not clear yet where he will play his football in the 2024-25 season.

Despite being under contract for two more years at the Catalan club, he has reportedly been allowed to explore options to leave Barca this summer, as they won't stand on his way to find a suitable move.

Clubs in England, Spain and Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in the midfielder, who made 51 appearances across all competitions last season as Barcelona finished second in La Liga.

Barca boss Hansi Flick addressed speculation after Gundogan missed the team's season-opening win against Valencia because of concussion on Saturday.

Flick, who previously managed Gundogan withrve German national team, is keen to keep him, but the situation may be influenced by the complicated financial position at Barcelona at the moment.

They have reportedly been unable yet to register new £51m signing Dani Olmo because of the Spanish league's squad cost control rules.

The club are also believed to be willing to sell striker Vitor Roque before the transfer deadline.

They recently announced the departure of captain Sergi Roberto, while full-back Julian Araujo left to join Bournemouth last week.