Switzerland defender Fabian Schär ends international career at 32 to focus on playing for Newcastle

Switzerland defender Fabian Schär retired from the national team on Monday, becoming the third veteran player in the European Championship quarterfinalist squad choosing to focus on club soccer.

Schär, goalkeeper Yann Sommer and playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri combined to play more than 300 games for Switzerland and mostly in the same team over the last decade. All made their senior international debuts while playing for Basel.

The 32-year-old Schär said in a statement from the Swiss soccer federation that he wanted to concentrate on playing for his Premier League club Newcastle.

“After more than 10 years and 86 matches with Switzerland, the moment has come to say my goodbyes,” said Schär, who scored eight goals in that time.

Schär’s last game for Switzerland was the Euro 2024 elimination against England in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. He scored his spot kick in the shootout.

The Swiss were heading to a first-ever semifinal place at a major tournament until an 80th-minute equalizer from England winger Bukayo Saka.

Sommer and Shaqiri also recently ended their time with the national team which resumes playing next week in the UEFA Nations League, against Denmark and Spain.

“I respect his decision,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said of Schär, “and thank him warmly for his commitment and performances for our country.”