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Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri announces international retirement

Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32.

Shaqiri earned 125 caps during a 14-year international career and represented his country at seven major tournaments.

He is Switzerland’s second most-capped player behind only Granit Xhaka (130) and their fourth all-time top scorer with 25 goals.

“Seven tournaments, many goals, 14 years with the Swiss national team and unforgettable moments,” Shaqiri wrote in a statement on social media. 

“It’s time to say goodbye to the national team. Great memories remain and I say to you all, thank you!”

Shaqiri’s final appearance for his country came as an extra-time substitute during Switzerland’s European Championship quarter-final defeat to England.

The Chicago Fire winger featured twice at Euro 2024, scoring his side’s equaliser with an effort from long range during the 1-1 draw against Scotland in the group stages.

GO DEEPER

Shaqiri made history at Euro 2024 with a goal only he could have scored

Shaqiri made his senior international debut in a 3-1 defeat against Uruguay in March 2010 and was included in the World Cup squad later that year.

He scored a hat-trick against Honduras in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with his bending effort earning a goal of the tournament nominee.

The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool man also represented his country at Euro 2016 in France and the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring goals at both tournaments as Switzerland were eliminated in the last-16 on both occasions.

He scored a further three goals at Euro 2020 as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals.

Shaqiri retires as one of just seven players to have earned over 100 caps for Switzerland.

He has played his club football with Chicago Fire since 2022 and his contract runs until the end of the 2024 Major League Soccer season.

(Javier Soriano/AFP via Getty Images)

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