Xherdan Shaqiri announces his international retirement after setting an unbelievable record at Euro 2024… before Switzerland’s dramatic exit by the hands of England
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- Shaqiri is the only European player to score in the last six major tournaments
- The 32-year-old ends his international career with 125 appearances and 32 goals
Xherdan Shaqiri has announced his retirement from international football after the European Championship.
In Germany, the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder became the only European player to score in the last six major tournaments when he netted in the 1-1 draw between Switzerland and Scotland.
Shaqiri played in two of Switzerland’s five tournament matches before they were knocked out on penalties by England in the quarter-finals.
The 32-year-old, who made his debut for the national team in 2010, ends his international career with 125 caps and 32 goals.
“Seven tournaments, lots of goals, 14 years with the Swiss national team and unforgettable moments,” he wrote in a post on X on Monday.
Xherdan Shaqiri has announced his retirement from the international team after the European Championship
The 32-year-old became the only European player to score in the last six major tournaments when he scored a stunning goal against Scotland
“It’s time to say goodbye to the national team. There are great memories left and I say to all of you, thank you.”
Shaqiri’s first tournament goals came in a stunning hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Honduras at the 2014 World Cup. His goal tally in the last three World Cups and European Championships stands at an impressive 10 in 22 games.
The Swiss Football Association paid tribute to the diminutive forward, claiming that a part of the country’s football history will go with the star as he steps away from the international stage.
‘With Shaqiri, a large part of the history of the Nati has disappeared. The attacking midfielder has been the man for special moments in recent years,’ according to the SFV.
‘We thank you very much for your many unforgettable efforts and the wonderful goals and assists in the national team and wish you all the best for the future and much success.
‘You have won our hearts with your game and your goals.’
‘No one has scored more goals for Switzerland in final tournaments than Shaqiri, with 10: five at the European Championship and five at the World Cup.
The former Liverpool midfielder thanked fans and the federation as he announced his retirement
Shaqiri will be remembered for his several stunning goals, including his outrageous bicycle kick at Euro 2016
‘Only six other players have scored five or more goals at both the European Championship and the World Cup: Michel Platini, Jurgen Klinsmann, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku.’
Shaqiri currently plays his club football in the MLS with Chicago Fire. Prior to his move to the United States in 2022, he won two Champions League titles with Bayern Munich and Liverpool respectively, as well as three Bundesliga crowns and the Premier League.