News surrounding Ilkay Gundogan just doesn’t seem to be dying down today. The Barcelona midfield star has been linked with an exit this summer with former club Man City looking to re-sign him.
The 33-year-old midfielder joined the club on a free transfer last summer and established himself as one of the main players in Xavi Hernandez’s team. He was a constant presence in midfield and helped the club out through a difficult injury period.
Now, as per reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gundogan has retired from international football and will not feature for Germany again. This comes at the same time when his club career future is far from clear.
Gundogan was the captain of Germany in the recently concluded Euros. He represented his country at the senior level 82 times, scoring 19 goals. He has been a constant in the midfield alongside Toni Kroos, who also retired recently.
The 33-year-old has been a versatile player throughout his career, capable of playing in different roles. He is equally comfortable operating as a #6 or a #10 and that is a characteristic that is quite rare to find.
Germany are blessed with an incredible next generation but with Kroos retiring, the international team could have done with an experienced head like the Barcelona midfielder for a few more years.
However, we must keep in mind that Gundogan would be 35 by the time the next World Cup happens in the US and it’s understandable that he wants to prolong his club career by letting go of international commitments.
The more pressing question is where the 33-year-old midfielder will play his football in the upcoming season. At this point, Man City looks like the most probable option and let’s wait and see how this story pans out.
