Celtic captain Callum McGregor has announced his retirement from international football.
The 31-year-old earned 63 caps for Scotland and scored three goals, having made his senior debut in 2017 against the Netherlands.
McGregor had represented the national side from under-16 level and went on to help Steve Clarke’s side reach back-to-back European Championships in 2020 and 2024.
He scored Scotland’s first goal at a major men’s tournament in 23 years with a strike against Croatia at Hampden Park at Euro 2020, with his other two international goals coming against Ukraine and Georgia.
“It has been a huge honour to achieve 63 caps for my country,” he said. “Appearing just once would have been a dream come true so to achieve 63 and be inducted into the International Roll of Honour after getting 50 is something I could only have dreamed of as a young kid.
Callum McGregor made his senior debut for Scotland against the Netherlands in 2017
“Throughout my career I wanted to give the absolute maximum possible to help the country and represent the supporters with passion and pride.
“I have made a decision that was very difficult of course but a decision which I feel is the right one at the right time. It was very important I spoke to Steve, and I did that this week to make him aware of my intentions. I just felt the time is right for me to move on from international football.
“International football has been a really important part of my career. I have learned so much and achieved some incredible highs – with that famous night in Serbia being one of the very best – and I have been blessed to share these experiences with some great people.
“Playing for Scotland always meant so much to me and reaching two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride. Scoring at Hampden at the Euros in front of our fantastic supporters will always be a special highlight for me.
McGregor’s goal against Croatia at Euro 2020 was Scotland’s first goal in 23 years at a major mens final
“Of course, like many others I wish we could have gone further in these competitions but nonetheless it has been a privilege to have played for my country on such a stage and to have represented my country for such a long period.
“I have worked with some excellent managers, team-mates and staff and I thank them all for their incredible efforts during the time we have had together.
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McGregor reflects on captaining Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title last season
“I would like to wish Steve, the current Scotland players and all the players who follow me nothing but success for the future.
“I also want to give special and sincere thanks to the Scotland fans who have supported me so brilliantly during my time. The level of passion and commitment that our fans bring is second-to-none and something I will always remember.”
Clarke: McGregor is a coach’s dream
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke added: “Callum’s consistency of performance and leadership qualities have been a real catalyst in the team’s return to major tournaments.
“He has been a driving force in the middle of the park and in many ways is a coach’s dream: he is low maintenance, leads by example and sets the highest standards every day in training and in matches.
“That professionalism and dedication has been a huge influence in our squad. We had a very good chat and while I am disappointed to lose Callum’s qualities I can understand the rationale behind his decision.
“He will be missed by his team-mates, the coaches, the backroom staff and, of course, the fans. I would like to thank him for all that he has contributed and helped us achieve.”
Rodgers: Selfishly it’s great for Celtic
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Brendan Rodgers discusses Callum McGregor’s international retirement and how that decision could help Celtic.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports News it will benefit McGregor at club level.
“I think he’s now looking at this next part of his career where he can give absolutely everything to Celtic, but what an absolutely fantastic career he’s had for his country,” Rodgers said.
“There’s no doubt from a selfish perspective that it’s great news for Celtic because it means in those international breaks he can rest and recover.
“The number of games this guy plays is absolutely phenomenal. Callum never has a day off, his mind is always working and thinking about the game and looking to improve.
“His appetite to improve is remarkable so I think in those little moments where he can have a recover from the physical and mental challenges it takes to captain and play for Celtic then of course those international breaks will help him for sure.”
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