Patrik Schick calls time on international career after Czechs' World Cup elimination

The decision of the Bayer Leverkusen forward did not come overnight, nor was it an impulsive reaction to the recent disappointment in Mexico. He says he had been considering leaving the national team for some time.

"It was a journey full of emotions, joy, disappointment, victories, and tough moments. I always tried to give my all for the national team and represent our country as best as I could," said Schick, who appeared for the Czech Republic in a total of 56 matches.

The striker leaves with a sense of pride in what he achieved on the international stage, but also with serious concerns about the future.

"Czech football is capable of much more than it has shown in recent years. We need to face the truth and change a number of things that have not been working for a long time," Schick emphasised in his post.

He does not see his critical assessment as an attack. "I'm not saying this out of anger or disappointment. I'm saying it because I care about Czech football," he explained at the end of his farewell.