Xherdan Shaqiri, the 32-year-old Swiss footballer, has announced his retirement from international football after a remarkable 14-year career with the Swiss national team. Shaqiri made his final appearance during the Euro 2024 quarterfinals against England, where Switzerland was eliminated in a penalty shootout.Throughout his international career, Shaqiri played 125 matches, scoring 32 goals and providing 34 assists. He is the only player to have scored in the last three World and European championships, and holds the record for most goals scored by a Swiss player in European competitions.Shaqiri’s international career began at the 2010 World Cup, and he went on to participate in seven major tournaments, including four World Cups and three European Championships. His memorable moments include scoring a hat-trick against Honduras in the 2014 World Cup and a bicycle kick against Poland in the 2016 Euro.In his retirement announcement on Instagram, Shaqiri expressed his gratitude, saying, “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”.Shaqiri’s retirement marks the end of an era for Swiss football. He leaves as the second-most capped player in Swiss history, behind only Granit Xhaka. His 32 goals make him the fourth-highest scorer in Swiss history.While Shaqiri is stepping away from international football, he will continue his club career with Chicago Fire in the MLS, where his contract is set to expire at the end of the year.As Switzerland looks to the future, they will face Denmark in their next match on September 5 in the Nations League. The team will aim to build on the strong foundation laid by players like Shaqiri as they continue to compete at the highest level of international football.
Key points
- Xherdan Shaqiri retires from international football after 14 years with the Swiss national team.
- Shaqiri played 125 matches for Switzerland, scoring 32 goals and providing 34 assists.
- He is the only player to have scored in the last three World and European championships.
- Shaqiri’s final appearance was in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals against England.
- He will continue his club career with Chicago Fire in the MLS.
Contradictions👾There is a slight discrepancy in the reported number of Shaqiri’s international appearances, with some sources stating 125 and others mentioning 130.
