Turkey captain Burak Yilmaz has announced his retirement from international football.
This comes after Yilmaz missed a late penalty as Turkey suffered a 3-1 loss to Portugal in a World Cup qualifying match on Thursday night. The 36-year-old scored in the second half to give Turkey a glimmer of hope, before squandering an opportunity to level the game at 2-2 by firing his spot-kick high over the bar in the 85th minute.
“If I had scored the penalty, it would have been difficult for Portugal. I missed but why? I’m in shock as well,” Yilmaz was quoted as saying by Turkish media.
“I would like to cut to the point. Today (Thursday) was my last match with the national team. There needs to be a change. Just as I had taken the lead back then, now I need to pass it on to my teammates and support them externally.
“It is a final decision stripped of emotions. One that is taken rationally. This change needs to happen.”
Turkey’s loss to Portugal means they will not take part in the World Cup in Qatar this year.
See also: World Cup qualifiers: Ronaldo’s Portugal through to finals, Bale double keeps Wales in the hunt
After 16 years representing @MilliTakimlar, captain @yilmazburak17 has announced his retirement from international football 🇹🇷#LOSC pic.twitter.com/RSpkc0VzOc
— LOSC (@LOSC_EN) March 25, 2022