Ilkay Gundogan makes major decision amid Man City return links

Former Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has retired from international football.

The midfielder took to social media to announce his decision, not long after representing Germany in the European Championship earlier this summer. The hosts Germany, were eliminated in the quarter-finals by winners Spain.

Gundogan wrote: "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.

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"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."

The 33-year-old made his international debut in October 2011 and was part of Germany squads at Euro 2012 and Euro 2020, as well as the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

He added: "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 (Julian Nagelsmann), a really strong team and a great