After 8512 minutes and 33 games without conceding a goal, Yann Sommer announces his retirement from the Swiss national team. This is how coaches, team-mates and companions react to his departure.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- After 94 games in the national team goal, Yann Sommer is retiring from the national team at the age of 35. The Inter goalkeeper made the announcement on social media on Monday.
- The reactions and congratulations were not long in coming. Both former and current Nati stars have their say.
- Nati coach Murat Yakin says that the "overall picture" was right for Sommer.
Yann Sommer announces his retirement from the Swiss national team on Instagram on Monday - and is subsequently congratulated from all sides. "A decision like this is extremely tough," says coach Murat Yakin. For an athlete, such a decision is one of the most difficult things there is. Yakin is full of praise for his long-serving goalkeeper: "I can only congratulate Yann on his successful time with the national team. A big thank you to his professionalism and his playing culture".
When asked what made Sommer so special, Yakin said: "The overall picture was just right. He was actually a very quiet and reserved guy, but always fully focused on the pitch. He was not only a role model for fans, but also for his teammates."
On the future of the goalkeeper position in the national team, Yakin says: "With Gregor Kobel, we clearly have the number one. We are in a fortunate situation that we have many other goalkeepers who will support us. In Kobel, we have a worthy successor to Sommer, who will take over the number 1 spot."
Nati colleagues say thank you
Xherdan Shaqiri reacts in his comment under Sommer's post with three crowns and two hearts, Remo Freuler writes in Italian: "Grazie mille per tutto" and Noah Okafor comments: "Legend".
The Nati stars bid farewell to their long-serving number 1 on Instagram in large numbers: "Thank you Pilz," posts Granit Xhaka. Fabian Schär, Fabian Rieder and Haris Seferovic also join the long list of well-wishers. Manuel Akanji wrote in a post: "It was an honor to play with Yann Sommer in the national team. An incredible athlete and an even better person."
Fellow player Beni Huggel also had his say: "Thank you for your commitment and your top performances." Basel's Fabian Frei writes: "You're too good!" German former team-mate Christoph Kramer writes: "The most beautiful, best and hottest Swiss summer ever." And musician Bastian Baker jokes: "Merci King! More time to play guitar now."
