Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor announces retirement from international football

Callum McGregor, a midfielder for Celtic, has announced his retirement from international football after eight years of service to the

Scotland national team.

The 31-year-old made his senior debut in November 2017 after beginning his international career at the under-15 level and went on to play

for the under-16, under-17, under-19, under-20, and under-21 squads.

The Celtic player, who finished his career with 63 caps, three goals and two assists, assisted the Tartan Army in qualifying for both Euro

2020 and Euro 2024.

After speaking with Scotland manager Steve Clarke, McGregor has made the decision to concentrate only on club football moving forward.

The star player for the Hoops stated, “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 crucial that I told Steve what I was about to do, and I did just that this week. I simply felt that the timing was right for me to stop

playing international football, as I mentioned to Steve.

The Celtic captain has demonstrated his abilities at the international level, even though he hasn’t won any awards. He undoubtedly gave it

his all every time he took the pitch.

His decision to step down from the national squad will primarily benefit the Parkhead club, as they will be able to continue to get his full

and undivided attention and services for a few more years.

McGregor has made 465 appearances for the Scottish Premiership champions since making his debut in July 2014, scoring 64 goals and

weighing in with 77 assists.

Since then, he has continued to be an important player and has won nine titles, six Scottish Cups, and seven Scottish League Cups.

The Celtic icon was crowned PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year in 2021–2022 and has made four appearances in the Premiership

PFA Scotland Team of the Year.

McGregor will keep giving it his all as he nears the end of his career because there is still more hardware to win with the Bhoys.