Özcan retires from international football

“I'm very proud of being part of the Austrian national team,” said the 32-year-old in explaining his decision made for private reasons. “Not just taking part in EURO 2008 and EURO 2016 count as special highlights in my career but it also includes the tremendous sporting development of the team over the years. Now it's time for me to concentrate on my family and my job at Bayer 04,” said Özcan who will be crossing his fingers for his international team-mates in the current World Cup qualifying campaign. “It was a great time. I'd like to say a really big thank you to the players as well as the coaching and support staff.”