Try GOLD - Free
GERMANY IN GOOD HANDS, SAYS GUNDOGAN
The Straits Times
|August 21, 2024
‘Tired’ captain retires, sees team as one of the main contenders at 2026 World Cup
-
Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on Aug 19 after leading his country at Euro 2024, citing "a certain tiredness" both physically and mentally.
"After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career," the Barcelona midfielder, better known for his time playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, wrote on social media.
"I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country a number that I could never have dreamt of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."
His retirement follows those of veterans Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller, who are both 34. Kroos hung up his boots for good after Euro 2024, while Muller called time on his Germany career in July.
Gundogan, who also turns 34 in October, skippered the Germany team who reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain after extra time.
This story is from the August 21, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
RAMEN REVIVAL
Slurp up regional flavours from Japan and local hawker renditions
10 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
MIDDLE EASTERN MELTING POT
New eateries are putting their own spin on the cuisine, while established players keep pace with updated menus
11 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
From a super-saver to embracing 'die with zero'
After a lifetime of saving for the future, I recently opened up to the idea that maybe one should use up one's wealth before one dies.
6 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
MASTEROFMYUNIVERSE TO RULE
RACE 1 (1,200M) 4 Run Run Timing made a strong first impression for the Ricky Yiu stable, finishing a close second on his Class 5 debut and showing he is ready to win again. He draws wider in barrier 9 this time, but that effort confirmed he was heading the right way.
6 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
KEEPING CALM THE 'BIGGEST LESSON'
Sabalenka aims to keep her emotions in check in bid for first WTA Finals crown
2 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
New work by late M'sian poet
Two young editors have worked to posthumously publish In The Mirror: New And Selected Poems Of Wong Phui Nam
3 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
WILL POGACAR BECOME CYCLING'S G.O.A.T?
In this series, The Straits Times takes a deep dive into the hottest sports topic or debate of the hour. From Lamine Yamal's status as the next big thing to pickleball's growth, we'll ask The Big Question to set you thinking, and talking.
5 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
Sentosa Cove property prices buck mainland uptrend as loss-making deals rise
In July, a condominium unit at Marina Collection in Sentosa Cove was resold for $4.95 million, over 40 per cent below the price paid in 2008.
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
More HDB flat owners switching to bank loans as rates drop to 3-year low
Owners spoilt for choice as banks compete to offer attractive refinancing options
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
Beauty products and fried chicken: Korean culture meets diplomacy at summit
World leaders and business titans gathered in South Korea this week to hash out issues from tariffs and AI to regional security.
2 mins
November 02, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size