Nuri Sahin Announces Shock Retirement From International Football

Nuri Sahin has announced his retirement from international football, just weeks after Turkey failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 29-year-old, who made 51 appearances for Turkey over a 12 year spell in the national team, has expressed his desire to let the next generation of Turkish players come through and shine under manager Mircea Lucescu.

Turkey's 3-0 defeat to Iceland last month meant that Sahin and his teammates would not be able to qualify for the tournament.

Sahin

In a statement via his Instagram page, Sahin explained why he was hanging up his international boots:

"I wore the Turkey jersey nearly 100 times in various age groups, and every single step I made in this jersey made me proud," Sahin said.

"I retire from international football at this point because I want to yield to the youth. I am convinced that the new generation of young Turkish players can lead us big success in the next 10 to 15 years if we support them with a good plan."

He scored on his debut against Germany, the country of his birth, back in 2005 and thus became the youngest goalscorer in Turkey's history at the age of 17.

In the message, he insisted that he would be 'ready to help' as much as he can:

"During my career, I have had many opportunities and valuable experiences. I will always be in close contact with Turkish football and ready to help as much as I can." Sahin said.

Sahin

Sahin is the youngest player to have played and scored for Turkey.

All the best in the future.

Topics: Turkey

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_