Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger announces retirement from international football

Germany: Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger 31 has announced his retirement from international football bringing to an end a 12-year career with the German national team during which he won the World Cup and picked up a silver medal from the European Championship after making 120 appearances for the country.

The Manchester United midfielder made the announcement on Instagram on Friday saying that he has told the German national team coach, Joachim Low that he should not to consider him for the national team in the future as he call it quit on his international career.

In a message to his fans, Bastian 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."

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 made his Germany debut in June 2004 has featured for Germany at the European Championships in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.