Ibra, Rooney & the breakups after EURO 2016

EURO 2016 will be the last European football tournament for many famous names such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Bastian Schweinsteiger...

A generation of European football talent is about to pass away. Their last chance to show their appreciation to their fans will be at EURO 2016 in France. Among the stars who will say goodbye to the continental stage after this tournament, Ibrahimovic is certainly one of them.

Now 34 years old, Ibra has just had one of his best seasons. However, no one expects the Swedish striker to continue to be the leader of the Nordic country after 4 years. Therefore, if there is any regret, the former Barca striker needs to show it in France before it is too late.

In fact, EURO in Ibra's memory is a sad memory. He only attended 3 tournaments in 2004, 2008 and 2012. Although Ibra left his mark with a superb backheel goal in the 1-1 draw with Italy in the group stage of EURO 2004, Sweden could not advance further than the quarter-finals. Four years later, a stormy "night flight" with Christian Wilhelmsson and Olof Mellberg caused Ibra to be sent home by coach Lars Lagerback just 2 days before the first match of EURO 2008. Even when he reached his peak form with 2 goals, Ibra still could not help Sweden get past the group stage of EURO 2012.

Unlike Ibra, Schweinsteiger has just gone through a turbulent season. Not retiring from the national team at the peak like Philipp Lahm, Schweinsteiger still wants to continue playing despite being 31 years old. However, his physical strength has not allowed him to be as effective as before for both MU and the German national team. Continuous injuries have made even a starting position at EURO 2016 a difficult challenge for Schweinsteiger. Regardless of the results of the German national team, saying goodbye after the tournament will be a suitable ending for Schweini.

Like Lahm, Schweinsteiger seems to have no luck with EURO. Having gone through 3 tournaments, the former Bayern midfielder's best achievement was only the runner-up position at EURO 2008. Specifically, EURO 2004 was a terrible time for Schweinsteiger and the German national team. In his first major tournament, the former Bayern midfielder played poorly and was deeply disappointed when his team was eliminated after the group stage. Four years later, Schweinsteiger even received a red card even though the German national team reached the final. At EURO 2012, a central midfielder Schweinsteiger continued to fall before the door of heaven when he lost to Italy in the semi-finals.

Schweinsteiger's teammate at MU, Rooney also suffered the same fate at MU. Injuries and declining performance made fans realize that he was on the other side of his career. Although he is still the captain of the England team, Rooney's position and status are being fiercely competed for by younger teammates. It would not be surprising if in 4 years, a 35-year-old Rooney would only be at home watching the Three Lions play on TV, or who knows, on the coaching bench.

As for the Spanish national team, the legends will leave one by one. First is Iker Casillas. His poor performance at Porto made many people think that Del Bosque called Casillas to EURO 2016 just for his reputation. "Saint Iker" should leave the national team right after this tournament to maintain a good image in the eyes of the fans.

Casillas need not be too sad as he is not alone. Andres Iniesta is very tired at 32 and if he wants to prolong his career, he should only serve Barca. Besides, Aritz Aduriz will participate in his first and last EURO. Although very talented, the Bilbao striker is also 35 years old.

Similarly, the Italian team will also see De Rossi, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli play their last EURO. Italy is in a transitional period and although they would like to retain their past heroes, time will force them to make a decision. After 4 years, the youngest of the 3 names above is 36 years old and will only be a burden for the Azzurri who are on the way to rejuvenation.

According to Bongdaplus