Germany’s nationwide staff captain, Ilkay Gündoğan, Tuesday introduced his determination to step away from the staff, confirming he will not lead them within the 2026 World Cup.
“After a few weeks of reflection, I’ve come to the decision that it’s time to end my national team career,” Gündoğan wrote on Instagram.
“I look back with a lot of pride on 82 caps for my home country – a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011,” he added.
“My highlight was definitely the huge honor of captaining the team at our home European Championships this past summer!”
The midfielder will, nonetheless, proceed to play professionally for FC Barcelona, though there’s hypothesis that he’ll depart the Spanish prime membership this summer season.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann should appoint a brand new captain to guide Germany’s soccer staff to the 2026 World Cup.
“I’m very proud that Ilkay was our captain, he played a fantastic European Championship for Germany,” Nagelsmann mentioned.
“His intelligence has always fascinated and inspired me, as has his security on the ball, his clever and clear passes. We expect our players to play passes with a message, and İlkay did exactly that.”
Nagelsmann mentioned the midfielder was usually within the highlight however “he let others shine in the national team. We will miss his fine foot.”
Nagelsmann had hoped that Gündoğan would keep on as captain as a result of trigger in Toni Kroos, a prime midfielder, ended his skilled profession after the European Championships.
Thomas Müller, one other perennial nationwide staff participant, had additionally already determined to not play for the staff. It is at the moment unclear whether or not keeper Manuel Neuuer will proceed.
Nagelsmann desires to rejuvenate and adapt the squad with a view towards the Nations League and qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup, which can be performed within the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Source: www.dailysabah.com