Callum McGregor retires from Scotland as Celtic captain reveals reasons behind 'difficult' decision

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has announced his retirement from international football after a seven-year full international career.

The 31-year-old has opted to bring the curtain down on his Scotland playing days after winning 63 caps for his country but feels the time is right after coming to the “very difficult” decision. McGregor scored for Scotland at Euro 2020 – the first player to net for the dark blues at a major international tournament since France 98 – and featured in all four games at Euro 2024 during the summer.

But he told the Celtic website: “I have made a decision which was very difficult, of course, but a decision which I feel is the right one at the right time. It was very important I spoke to Steve and I did that this week to make him aware of my intentions. As I said to Steve, I just felt the time is right for me to move on from international football. It has been a huge honour to achieve 63 caps for my country, as appearing just once would have been a dream come true, so to achieve 63 and be inducted into the Roll of Honour at 50 caps is something I could only have dreamed of as a young kid. Throughout my career I wanted to make myself available for Scotland at all times and whenever selected, give the absolute maximum possible to help the country and represent the supporters with passion and pride.

“International football has been a really important part of my career where I have learned so much and achieved some incredible highs, that famous night in Serbia being one of the very best, and I have been blessed to share these experiences with some great people. Playing for Scotland always meant so much to me and reaching two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride, and scoring at