Football

Switzerland's Yann Sommer Retires from International Football After Illustrious CareerSwitzerland's veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer has bid farewell to international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 12-year career with the national team. The 35-year-old shot-stopper, who currently plies his trade for Inter Milan, made 94 appearances for his country, leaving an indelible mark on Swiss football history.Sommer's international debut came in 2012, and he quickly established himself as the undisputed number one goalkeeper, taking over the mantle from Diego Benaglio. His exceptional performances between the posts played a pivotal role in Switzerland's success on the international stage.The highlight of Sommer's career came at Euro 2020, where he made a heroic penalty save against France's Kylian Mbappé in the last 16. This crucial stop propelled Switzerland into their first major quarter-final since 1954. Sommer's heroics continued throughout the tournament, as he helped his team reach the last eight.Sommer's consistency and reliability were instrumental in Switzerland's impressive run at the last six major tournaments, where they consistently reached the knockout stages. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the team, and he was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.In a statement released by the Swiss Football Association, Sommer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country: "My time with the national team has meant a lot to me. I look back with pride on the many unforgettable moments, the exciting matches, the victories celebrated together, and the challenges we have overcome together."Sommer's retirement marks the end of an era for Swiss football. His exceptional talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy on the national team. He will be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Swiss history, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of players.

Xherdan Shaqiri, the Swiss football legend, has bid farewell to international football after an illustrious career spanning 14 years. The 32-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Chicago Fire in the United States, announced his retirement on Monday, leaving behind a legacy as one of Switzerland's most decorated players.Shaqiri made his international debut in March 2010 at the tender age of 18. Since then, he has amassed an impressive 125 caps for the Swiss national team, becoming the second most-capped player behind his teammate Granit Xhaka. The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool star represented his country at four World Cups and three European Championships, showcasing his exceptional talent on the global stage.Throughout his international career, Shaqiri has been a pivotal figure for Switzerland, contributing with both goals and assists. He is Switzerland's fourth top goalscorer with 32 goals, trailing only Alexander Frei, Kubilay Turkyilmaz, and Max Abegglen. His memorable performances include scoring in the penalty shoot-out against England in the Euro 2024 quarter-final, which turned out to be his final game for the Nati.In a heartfelt message on social media, Shaqiri expressed his gratitude for the unforgettable moments he experienced with the Swiss national team. "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. His exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm have inspired a generation of young players. He leaves behind a legacy of success and will be remembered as one of the greatest Swiss footballers of all time.

Olivier Giroud, France's all-time leading goalscorer, has announced his retirement from international football after the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. The 37-year-old striker, who has scored 57 goals in 131 appearances for Les Bleus, made the announcement in an interview with L'Equipe.Giroud, who will join MLS side Los Angeles FC after Euro 2024, said it was time for the younger generation to take over. "To be honest, this will be my last tournament with France," he said. "Obviously I will miss it a lot. But I believe as regards 'Les Bleus', it will be game over after Euro. It is time to leave the stage to the young."Giroud broke Thierry Henry's national goalscoring record of 51 at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, where France lost to Argentina on penalties in the final. He also played a key role in France's 2018 World Cup triumph.Despite his success at international level, Giroud has never won the Premier League title, a fact he acknowledged in his interview. "If I triumph in the Euro, I can say that I won everything apart from the Premier League, which is very difficult to win," he said.Giroud began his career at Montpellier, where he inspired the club to the 2012 Ligue 1 title. He then moved to Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups, before joining Chelsea, where he won the FA Cup again and the Champions League. He moved to AC Milan in 2021 and won the Serie A title in 2022.Giroud believes he still has two years left in his club career, but he feels that his time with the French national team has come to an end. "I still think I have two years in me, but for the France team in my opinion it has come to an end," he said. "Time is beginning to catch up with me and I have thought about it long and hard. Playing every three days is becoming more and more difficult, especially at international level."