Celtic captain Callum McGregor has announced his retirement from football.
The 31-year-old played for Scotland and scored 3 goals, having made his senior debut in 2017 against the Netherlands.
McGregor had represented the U-16 national team and went on to Steve Clarke’s side to triumph at back-to-back European Championships in 2020 and 2024.
He scored Scotland’s first goal at a top-level men’s tournament in 23 years with a goal against Croatia at Euro 2020 at Hampden Park, and his other two goals abroad came against Ukraine and Georgia.
“It has been a great honour to play 63 international matches for my country,” he said. “Appearing just once would have been a dream come true, so reaching 63 and being included in the foreign honour roll after turning 50 is something I could only dream of when I was young.
“Throughout my career, I have sought to give everything imaginable to help the country and build enthusiasts with passion and pride.
“I made a decision that was very complicated, of course, but it was the right one at the right time. It was very vital that I talk to Steve about it, and I did that this week so that he would be aware of my intentions. I just felt that the time had come to leave foreign football.
“International football has been a very important component of my career. I have learned a lot and reached heights (that evening in Serbia was one of the most productive) and I have had the opportunity to share those reports with wonderful people.
“Playing for Scotland has meant a lot to me and winning two primary tournaments will be a real source of pride. Scoring in Hampden at the Euros in front of our fantastic fans will be a highlight for me.
“Of course, like many others, I wish I had given more in those competitions, but it has still been a privilege to have played for my country at that level and to have represented my country for so long.
“I have worked with some wonderful managers, teammates and staff and I thank them all for their incredible efforts and the time we have spent together.
“I would like to wish Steve, the current Scottish players and all the players who still have nothing to do with me good luck for the future.
“I would also like to express a special and honest thank you to the Scottish enthusiasts who have supported me so brilliantly during my tenure. The level of fandom and commitment our enthusiasts bring is second to none and anything I remember. “
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke added: “Callum’s consistency of functionality and leadership qualities have been a real catalyst in the team’s return to primary tournaments.
“He has been a driver in the middle of the field and in many tactics that is a coach’s dream: he requires little maintenance, leads by example and sets the highest criteria every day in education and in games.
“This professionalism and determination has had a huge influence on our team. We had a very intelligent conversation and I am disappointed to lose Callum’s qualities, I can understand the reason for his decision.
“He will be missed through his teammates, coaches, staff and, of course, the fans. I need to thank him for everything he has given us and helped us achieve. “
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports News that McGregor would gain advantages at club level.
“I think he’s now looking at the next component of his career where he can surely give his all for Celtic, but what a confident career he’s had for his country,” Rodgers said.
“From an egocentric point of view, there is no doubt that this is wonderful news for Celtic because it means that those foreigners who escape can rest and recover.
“The amount of games this guy plays is surely phenomenal. Callum never has a day off, his brain is working, thinking about the game and looking to improve.
“His appetite is remarkable, so I think in those little moments when he can recover from the demanding physical and intellectual situations it takes to become captain and play for Celtic, then of course those breaks abroad will definitely help. “
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