Gundogan Named New Germany National Team Captain
Germany manager Hansi Flick has appointed Ilkay Gundogan as the new captain of the national team.
At 32 years old, Gundogan is one of the senior members of the national team, having made his debut in 2011.
He has won 67 caps to date and scored 17 goals.
Gundogan will take the armband from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is still working his way back to full fitness after suffering a knee injury right after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich will serve as Gundogan's assistant.
Gundogan will skipper the side for the first time in upcoming friendly games against Japan and France.
The Barcelona midfielder captained Manchester City to Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League successes last season.
"We thought about it and decided to give the captain's armband to Ilkay. He will form a leadership duo with Joshua Kimmich. This gives us new energy," Flick said at a news conference.
Asked what will happen to the captain's armband when Manuel Neuer, who captained the team before his long-term injury, returns, Flick said:
"The situation with 'Manu' is like this: He has to get healthy first. We hope he'll be back soon, but I'm not worried about that at the moment."
Gundogan added: "It is an honor for me to lead the young team as captain."
"My experience with City last year shows that I can do the job."
