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Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri confirms retirement from international football

Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri confirms retirement from international football

Xherdan Shaqiri. – AFP

Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri announced his retirement from international football on Monday, having earned 125 caps for Switzerland.

Shaqiri scored 32 goals for the national team and is the only Swiss player to have appeared in seven major tournaments, from the 2010 World Cup to Euro 2024.

The 32-year-old made two appearances in Euro 2024 as Switzerland exited the tournament after losing on penalties to England in the quarterfinals.

Shaqiri had scored one of the best goals of the tournament against Scotland. His only goal in the Euro was enough to make him the first player in history to score in three World Cups and three consecutive European Championships.

“Seven tournaments, many goals, 14 years with the Swiss national team and unforgettable moments. It’s time to say goodbye to the national team,” Shaqiri wrote on Instagram. “Great memories remain and I say to you all, thank you.”

Shaqiri, who won the Swiss and German leagues three times each with FC Basel and Bayern, as well as the Premier League with Liverpool, has been playing for the MLS side Chicago Fire since 2022.

Known for his stocky build, the former player has scored numerous memorable goals while wearing the colours of the “Nati.” Perhaps the most unforgettable for his fans is the spectacular bicycle kick he scored against Poland in Euro 2016.