Celtic captain Callum McGregor has announced his retirement from international football.

Throughout his distinguished international career, McGregor earned 63 caps for Scotland and notably scored the nation’s only goal at the Euros in 2021.

#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

This summer, McGregor represented Scotland at the Euros in Germany, where the team unfortunately did not advance past the group stage. Despite this, McGregor’s contributions to the national team have been significant and memorable.

At 31 years old, McGregor has decided to focus solely on his club responsibilities at Celtic, where he continues to lead as captain. Looking ahead, he has chosen to step back from international duties as Scotland approaches the World Cup qualifiers, with the next tournament scheduled in two years when McGregor would be 33. Scotland has yet to secure qualification for the World Cup.

Callum McGregor said to Celtic TV: “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.”

It’s probably the right decision for Callum McGregor and Celtic. It should mean that he won’t be burned out for Celtic in the latter stages of the season.