Celtic captain Callum McGregor sensationally retires from Scotland duty

CALLUM MCGREGOR has announced a shock RETIREMENT from Scotland duty.

The Celtic captain, 31, earned 63 caps for his country and was in the squads for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

He scored a crucial goal against Georgia to help his nation qualify for this summer‘s tournament in Germany and netted Scotland‘s only goal at the previous tournament in a 3-1 defeat by Croatia.

A statement from the Parkhead club said: “Callum has performed for his country for the past 16 years at all international youth levels since 2008, and across the last seven years has been an integral part of the Scotland team, achieving 63 international caps, scoring three goals and playing a pivotal role in helping the national team reach back-to-back European Championships.”

McGregor himself revealed he had spoken at length to national team boss Steve Clarke and spoke of his pride at achieving things he’d dreamed of as a child, in particular qualifying for the Euros.

He said: “I have made a decision which 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. As I said to Steve, I just felt the time is right for me to move on from international football.

“It has been a huge honour to achieve 63 caps for my country, as appearing just once would have been a dream come true, so to achieve 63 and be inducted into the Roll of Honour at 50 caps is something I could only have dreamed of as a young kid.

“Throughout my career I wanted to make myself available for Scotland at all times and whenever selected, give the absolute maximum possible to help the country and represent the supporters with passion and pride.

“International football has been a really important part of my career where I have learned so much and achieved some incredible highs, 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, and scoring at Hampden in the Euros in front of our fantastic supporters will always be a special highlight for me.

“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.

“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 which our fans bring is second to none and something which I will always remember.”

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