Barcelona superstar coy on national team future after Euro elimination

Ilkay Gundogan was left heartbroken last night as his Germany team crashed out of the UEFA Euro 2024 in their homeland following a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to Spain.

The Barcelona midfielder, captaining the national team, could not inspire them to a victory as goals from Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino – both targets for the Blaugrana, condemned Gundogan & co. to an exit in Stuttgart.

Gundogan coy on future with German NT

Leading up to the game, it had been suggested that a defeat against Spain would mark the end of an era for Germany with several veteran stars tipped to hang up their boots.

Toni Kroos had already announced his retirement while Thomas Muller also hinted that it may have been his last game for Germany.

Barcelona’s own Gundogan was also being counted among the veterans who could retire, along with Manuel Neuer.

Has Gundogan played his last game for Germany? (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

However, when asked about his international football future after the defeat to Spain, the 33-year-old superstar refused to give anything away.

“So soon after the game, I can’t say yet. I will need a few days to think more about it. Then I will make a decision,” he said, as quoted by Florian Plettenberg.

Nagelsmann hopeful Gundogan will continue

During a press conference earlier today, Germany NT manager Julian Nagelsmann was asked about Gundogan’s future at the international level.

The 36-year-old tactician confirmed that he had not received any indications from the Barcelona star that he would be stepping away and insisted he would be happy to see the midfielder continue.

“I haven’t received any signals from him as to whether he’s going to continue or stop. He’s a quiet leader who doesn’t give big speeches, but he’s very experienced. Of course I’d be happy if he continued,” he said.

Gundogan, at 33, is entering the final phase of his career. So, it will be interesting to see whether he is willing to push himself at both club and international levels or opts to call time on his Germany career.