Rüdiger announced his retirement from the German national team, ending his 12-year international career.

German center-back Antonio Rüdiger released a statement on Tuesday confirming the end of his 12-year international career.

The 33-year-old Rüdiger has played for the German national team since May 2014, making 86 appearances and contributing 3 goals and 5 assists. He has represented the team in two European Championships (2021, 2024), one Confederations Cup (2017), and three World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026), winning the 2017 Confederations Cup.

In his farewell statement, Rüdiger wrote: "After a period of careful consideration, I have decided to end my national team career to make way for the younger generation."

"When I first put on the national team jersey in 2014, I never dreamed that I would eventually play 86 games for Germany."

"Although we have failed to win the championship in recent major competitions and have experienced some heartbreaking defeats, this period is still very special to me and will forever shape my life."

"Here, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the following individuals."

"First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates. Thank you for every time we fought side by side, thank you for the unity and mutual support in the locker room and at the training camp—and most importantly, thank you for the long-lasting friendship between us that transcends football."

"Then, the entire coaching staff and support personnel. Thank you for your trust and dedication over the years. Special thanks to Joachim Löw, Hans Flick, and Julian Nagelsmann, who accompanied and shaped my journey with the German national team. I also want to thank my mentor Horst Hrubesch in the youth national team."

"And of course, to all the fans. Thank you for your continued support, especially for the special atmosphere created during the 2024 European Championship held on home soil."

At the end of his statement, Rüdiger confirmed that he would focus on playing for Real Madrid in the future: "I will begin a new chapter in my life and devote myself to the club's cause. Thank you for your support along the way."

Antonio Rüdiger played for Stuttgart, Roma, and Chelsea during his professional career before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in July 2022. To date, he has made 183 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists, winning one Champions League title, one Club World Cup title, one Intercontinental Cup title, one La Liga title, two UEFA Super Cup titles, one Copa del Rey title, and one Spanish Super Cup title with the club.

Image source: Internet