Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, on Friday, announced his retirement from international duty with immediate effect.
Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, on Friday, announced his retirement from international duty with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old Manchester United midfielder, who won his 120th and final cap in Germany's 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-finals of Euro 2016, revealed the news on his official Twitter account.
He retires from Die Mannschaft with his Old Trafford future in the balance, having reportedly been told by United's new coach Jose Mourinho that he is one of nine players free to leave the club. Schweinsteiger still has two years left to run on his United contract.
A knee injury in January flared up again in March, restricting him to just a handful of matches before he played at the European championships, netting a goal on his return against Ukraine in Germany's opening pool game.
The defensive midfielder said now was the right time to retire from the national team ahead of Germany's first qualifier for the 2018 World Cup against Norway on September 9, four days after a home friendly against Finland.
"I have just told the national head coach (Joachim Loew) to no longer consider me for selection in the future as I would like to retire," wrote Schweinsteiger.
"I would like to thank the fans, the team, the German Football Association and the coaches.
"In 120 internationals, I have been allowed to run out for my country and experience moments which were undescribably beautiful and successful."
1. Basti against Rakitic of Barca
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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern Muenchen is challenged by Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final, first leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Muenchen at Camp Nou on May 6, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.
He spent 13 seasons in Bayern Munich, playing exactly 500 matches. His club honours include eight Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Champions League title and a FIFA Club World Club title.
(Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
2. ManCity vs ManU
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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Manchester United battles with Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Schweinsteiger was the first German to be admitted to the first team of the Manchester United.
(Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
3. Basti at Euro 2004
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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany is tackled by Tomas Hubschman of Czech Republic during the UEFA Euro 2004 Group D match between Germany and Czech Republic at the Estadio de Jose Alvalade, 2004, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
4. Gattuso and Basti battle for control
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Gennaro Gattuso of Italy battles for the ball with Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Semi-final match between Germany and Italy played at the Stadium Dortmund, 2006, in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
5. In celebration at Euro '08
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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany celebrates victory after the UEFA Euro 2008 Semi Final match between Germany and Turkey at St. Jakob-Park, 2008, in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
6. Tackled!
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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany is tackled by Edinson Cavani of Uruguay during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Third Place Play-off match between Uruguay and Germany at The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, 2010 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
7. Helping Hand
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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany helps teammate Holger Badstuber to his feet as Germany players show their dejection after the UEFA Euro 2012 semi-final match between Germany and Italy at the National Stadium, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
8. Victor of 2014 World Cup
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Bastian Schweinsteiger (L) of Germany and Philipp Lahm (R) of Germany celebrate with the World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
9. Collision course
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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany is challenged by Paul Pogba of France in the penalty area during the UEFA Euro semi-final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
10. At Champions League '13
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Thomas Muller of FC Bayern Munchen celebrates scoring the second goal with Bastian Schweinsteiger during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Manchester City and FC Bayern Munchen at Etihad Stadium, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
11. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic
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Bastian Schweinsteiger married Serbian professional tennis player Ana Ivanovic at Venice on July 12, 2016. (Photo courtesy - Getty Images)
