On Monday, Germany international, and Barcelona star Gundogan announced his retirement from international football due to "a certain tiredness" physically and mentally.
Gundogan posted on social media: "After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career."
He added: "I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country - a number that I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."
His retirement came after the retirement of Toni Kroos from football and Thomas Mueller from the international football.
Gundogan led Germany to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before being eliminated by Spain who won the tournament.
"My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer," said the Barcelona midfielder.
Gundogan cited mental and physical pain are the main reasons for his decision, describing: "I felt a certain tiredness in my body and also in my head, which got me thinking. And the games at club and national level are not going to get any less," he said.
"I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team and very much hope that the upward trend can continue together - and then there is nothing to stop us from being one of the main title contenders at the 2026 World Cup.
"We have a fantastic coach, a really strong team and a great team spirit."
On his side, Germany's coach Julian Nagelsman said: "Ilkay was an outstanding captain, with whom I would have liked to continue working:" asserting: "The door to the national team is never completely closed, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best for his future, both professionally and privately."
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