Xherdan Shaqiri has called time on his international career. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich winger announced his retirement from the Switzerland national team following the conclusion of Euro 2024.
Xherdan Shaqiri announces retirement
Shaqiri, who has been a mainstay for Switzerland for 14 years, was part of the squad that reached the quarterfinals of the tournament. Despite Switzerland's strong performance, including a memorable victory over Italy, their journey ended with a defeat to England. Shaqiri, who scored a goal during the group stage, expressed his gratitude to the fans in an emotional farewell message.
"Seven tournaments, many goals, 14 years with the Swiss national team and unforgettable moments. It's time to say goodbye to the national team. Great memories remain and I say to you all: THANK YOU!" said Shaqiri.
Xherdan Shaqiri burst onto the international scene as a surprise inclusion in the Switzerland squad for the 2010 World Cup. His electrifying pace quickly made him a fan favorite. Shaqiri continued to be a key player for Switzerland, representing his country at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups as the team steadily climbed the global rankings. Euro 2024 marked Shaqiri's third European Championship and ultimately his final international tournament. Over his 14-year career, he amassed 125 caps and scored 32 goals for Switzerland. Shaqiri, who has won the Swiss and German leagues three times each with FC Basel and Bayern Munich, as well as the Premier League with Liverpool, has been playing for Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire since 2022.
Shaqiri's 125 appearances for Switzerland are second only to his long-time teammate and captain, Granit Xhaka, who has 130. During his international career, Shaqiri scored 32 goals, including five at World Cups and five at European Championships.
Nine days after his 125th and final match for Switzerland, a penalty shootout loss to England in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, Xherdan Shaqiri announced his retirement from international football. The Chicago Fire playmaker, who came on as a substitute in extra time, nearly secured a dramatic equalizer with a corner kick that hit the crossbar before scoring his penalty in the shootout. Despite only starting one of Switzerland's five matches at Euro 2024, Shaqiri produced one of the tournament's standout goals against Scotland. This marked the end of a 14-year international career that included seven major tournaments for Shaqiri, who made his debut at the 2010 World Cup at the age of 18.
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