Swiss Media: Sommer to Announce International Retirement After Error in Serie A Opener Solidified His Decision

NAU (Swiss Times), Switzerland’s largest newspaper, reports with corroboration from Sky Italia that Inter Milan’s Swiss goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, is about to announce his retirement from international football.

The Italian broadcaster confirms that Sommer has informed sports journalists that he will hold a press conference soon to “announce important matters.”

Swiss media have gone as far as to declare, “After 94 appearances for the national team, the 35-year-old Swiss legend’s international career is coming to an end.”

Sommer has represented Switzerland for 12 years, helping the team reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. It was reported that after the team’s elimination from the European Championship, Sommer had begun to consider retiring from international duty, but his thoughts were not yet firm. In the first round of Serie A fixtures, Sommer made a significant error which led to a 2-2 draw between Inter Milan and Genoa, preventing them from starting the season with a win. The 35-year-old faced considerable criticism post-match, including a rare low score of 4.5 out of 10 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, which increased the pressure on him and solidified his decision.

Over the past 12 years, Sommer has made 94 appearances for the Swiss national team, keeping clean sheets in 35 matches. He has some memorable performances, such as saving Kylian Mbappe’s penalty during Euro 2020, which will remain etched in fans’ memories.

Swiss media suggest that Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel will take over as Switzerland’s number one goalkeeper following Sommer’s retirement. While Sommer steps away from international football, it’s a different story at the club level. Inter Milan spent €15 million this summer to bring in the relatively young goalkeeper Josep Martinez, who came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy. Sommer’s retirement from international duty is aimed at extending his club career, and he does not intend to easily give up his position as Inter’s first-choice goalkeeper. Sommer’s contract with Inter runs until 2026.