Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football.
Manchester
United midfielder Schweinsteiger, who was part of the 2014 World
Cup-winning side, said after Euro 2016 that he would make a decision on his future with the national side.
The
31-year-old former Bayern Munich star confirmed on social media on
Friday that he has told coach Joachim Low that he has decided to call
time on an international career in which he won 120 caps.
In a message to Germany fans, he wrote: "I just asked the national
team coach to not consider me for future call-ups for the German
national team, because I want to end my international career. My thanks
go out to the fans, the team, the DFB [German FA], and the coaches and
staff around the German national team.
"In 120 international matches I was allowed to play for my country and experience moments of incredible joy and success."
Schweinsteiger was included in the squad for Euro 2016 despite concerns over his fitness and made four substitute appearances before starting in the semifinal defeat to France, when his handball led to the host nation taking the lead through an Antoine Griezmann penalty.
He
added: "Jogi Low knew how much the Euro 2016 in France meant to me,
because I wanted to do everything in my power to win the title, which we
haven't been able to bring back to Germany since 1996. It wasn't to be
and I had to accept that.
"By winning the World Cup in 2014 we
created something historical and emotional, which cannot be repeated in
my career. Which is why drawing a line is now the reasonable and right
thing to do. I wish the national team all the best for the qualification
and the World Cup in 2018.
"With my decision I leave the national
team, which was always a precious family to me. I hope that this
connection will stay intact in another form.
"To my fans I want to
say: 'It was an honour for me to play for you. Thank you for everything
that I could experience with you!'"
Schweinsteiger, who has been linked with a move away from United this summer, featured for Germany at the European Championships in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
He made his Germany debut in June 2004 and his 38 appearances at major international tournaments stands as the current world record.
He
made 20 World Cup and 18 European Championship appearances, with his
last coming in the Euro 2016 semifinal loss to France, which saw him
overtake former Germany teammate Miroslav Klose, who had played in 37
games at major tournaments.
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