Celtic FC Captain Callum McGregor explains his reason why retiring from international football

Callum McGregor, the leader of Celtic, has been an important player for both his club and his country for more than ten years and keeps getting better no matter where he is.

With 465 games played in green and white, the 31-year-old is the leader at Parkhead and is driving the Bhoys’ effort to win trophies.

McGregor has helped Celtic win 22 awards. He is the fourth-most decorated player in the club’s long history, and it’s not impossible that he will break all records before he quits.

He has also always been a reliable figure in the middle of the field for Scotland, earning him 63 caps. The graduate of Lennoxtown has played in two big tournaments and has always done well on the international stage.

This is what he said on the club’s website about why he made the choice: “I have made a decision that was very difficult, but a decision that I feel is the right one at the right time.” Steve and I talked this week to let him know what I planned to do. It was very important that I did. I told Steve that I thought it was time for me to move on from international sports.

“Getting 63 caps for my country is a huge honor. Just making it to the field once would have been a dream come true, so to get 63 and be inducted into the Roll of Honour at 50 caps is something I could only have dreamed of as a kid.”

“All through my career, I wanted to be available for Scotland at all times and whenever they asked me to, do everything I could to help the country, and represent the fans with passion and pride.”

“Playing football for my country has been a big part of my career. I’ve learned a lot and had some amazing high points, like that famous night in Serbia. I’ve also been lucky enough to share these experiences with some great people.”

“Playing for Scotland has always meant a lot to me, and making it to two major tournaments will always make me feel proud. Scoring at Hampden in the Euros in front of our amazing fans will always be a special moment for me.”

#CelticFC Captain Callum McGregor has announced his retirement from international football.

💬 “Playing for @ScotlandNT always meant so much to me and reaching two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride.”

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— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 9, 2024

“Of course, like many others, I wish we could have gone further in these competitions, but it has still been an honor to play for my country on such a big stage and for such a long time.”

Payouts for Callum McGregor’s foreign retirement Fans of Celtic and Scotland will be sad to see McGregor go, but it seems like the right time for him to stop playing for his country.

Because he kept getting hurt last season, he had to go through a scan that ended the season, which put his health at risk for both club and country. Prevailing, the midfielder from Glasgow led the team to a local double and played all 16 games for Scotland at Euro 2024.

Even so, some risks could have come up because he was brave. He is now 31 years old and won’t be around forever, so he has taken steps to extend his time with the club.

That’s good news for Celtic, because their captain will be able to get some much-needed rest while watching Scotland play from afar.