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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Gundogan retires from Germany duty</li><li>Has asked to leave Barcelona</li><li>Future uncertain</li></ul>

lkay Gundogan sends out emotional message as Germany captain confirms international retirement amid uncertain Barcelona future

The Barcelona midfielder announced on Twitter that he will not continue to play for Germany amid uncertainty over his future. The former Manchester City star is said to have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ilkay-gundogan-asked-to-leave-barcelona-jose-mourinho-ex-man-city-star-to-fenerbahce/blt2f2ee31e96079f3c" target="_blank">asked to leave the Camp Nou</a> and has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ilkay-gundogan-return-etihad-stadium-seeks-barcelona-exit-after-just-one-season-turkish-transfer-interest/blt71b7668ed8913f1b" target="_blank">linked with a sensational return to the Etihad Stadium</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Gundogan has won 82 caps for Germany and has scored 19 goals. Now, at the age of 33, he has taken the decision to step back from playing for his country in a bid to focus on his club career.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Gundogan <a href="https://x.com/IlkayGuendogan/status/1825563797391896619" target="_blank">posted on X</a>: "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"

WHAT GUNDOGAN SAID

It remains to be seen if Gundogan will be able to find himself a move this summer as he bids to leave Barcelona. They are next in action against Athletic Bilbao this weekend.

WHAT NEXT?

lkay Gundogan sends out emotional message as Germany captain confirms international retirement amid uncertain Barcelona future | Goal.com South Africa

Ilkay Gundogan has announced his retirement from international football, with his future at Barcelona up in the air.