Antonio Rudiger (foto: Twitter)
Antonio Rüdiger has retired from international football after more than a decade with Germany, allowing the 33-year-old to focus entirely on José Mourinho's Real Madrid.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Antonio Rüdiger has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to more than a decade with Germany as the Real Madrid defender turns his full attention to his club career.
The 33-year-old had been considering his international future since the most recent World Cup but was determined not to rush such an important decision. Rüdiger ultimately concluded that the time had come to step aside and allow a younger generation to take greater responsibility as Jürgen Klopp begins building a new Germany team.
Rüdiger turns full attention to Real Madrid
The decision represents good news for Real Madrid, who will now have Rüdiger available throughout international breaks. At 33, the experienced centre-back is increasingly conscious of managing his physical condition as he attempts to extend his career at the highest level for as long as possible.
His relationship with José Mourinho is another important factor in his current situation. Rüdiger has enormous respect for the Real Madrid coach and will now be able to concentrate exclusively on the demands of club football without the additional physical burden of international duty.
For Germany, however, his departure means losing one of their most experienced defenders at the beginning of Klopp's new cycle. Rüdiger believes this is the right moment for younger players to emerge and for the new national coach to shape the team for the years ahead.
More than a decade with Germany
Rüdiger's international retirement closes a significant chapter in a career that has taken him through some of Europe's biggest clubs. He began his senior club career with Stuttgart, moved to Roma and then spent five seasons at Chelsea between 2017 and 2022 before joining Real Madrid.
The defender has accumulated an impressive collection of trophies during that journey, including two Champions League titles, the Europa League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, La Liga and Copa del Rey among other honours.
His decision now leaves him with only one footballing priority. Having closed the door on Germany after more than a decade of international football, Rüdiger will dedicate the remaining years of his career entirely to Real Madrid and Mourinho's project at the Santiago Bernabéu.