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Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrates after being part of the Germany team who won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrates after being part of the Germany team who won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Bastian Schweinsteiger announces retirement from international football

This article is more than 7 years old
Manchester United player won 120 caps for Germany
Midfielder helped national team win 2014 World Cup in Brazil

Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football.

Three weeks after Germany were knocked out of Euro 2016 following a semi-final defeat against France, Schweinsteiger has said he is stepping down as captain of the national team and ending his international playing career.

“Dear fans of the Germany national team I have just asked the national team coach not to consider me any more for his national team selections in future since I would like to retire,” the Manchester United midfielder announced on Twitter.

It also looks likely that Schweinsteiger will be looking for a new club after he was omitted from United’s squad for Saturday’s friendly with Galatasaray in Gothenburg.

Schweinsteiger won 120 caps for Germany having made his debut in June 2004. A decade later he was part of the team who won the World Cup in Brazil and shortly after became captain of his country.

His international CV includes two third-place World Cup finishes and a runners-up spot at the 2008 European Championship. Schweinsteiger, 31, reached the semi-final of every major tournament in which he was involved, with his overall record standing at 81 wins, 19 draws and 20 defeats. He also scored 24 times for Germany.

“My thanks go to the fans, the team, the DFB [German Football Association], the coaches and the Germany national team,” Schweinsteiger said. “I was able to run out 120 times for my country and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful.

“Jogi Löw knew how much Euro 2016 in France meant to me because I desperately wanted to win this title, which we have not been able to bring back to Germany since 1996. It wasn’t to be and I have to accept this.

“By winning the 2014 World Cup, we did something historic and also achieved something emotionally which will never be repeated again in my career. Therefore it is only right and sensible to call it a day now and wish the team all the best for qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, and for the final tournament.

“To finish with, I would like to say to the fans ‘it was an honour to be able to play for you, many thanks for everything I was able to experience with you!’ Yours, Bastian Schweinsteiger.”

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