Germany veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football on Friday. The 31-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Manchester United, made the announcement via Twitter.
A winner of the FIFA World Cup 2014 with Die Mannschaft, Schweinsteiger recently captained his national team in the Euro 2016, where they were knocked out in the semifinals of the competition.
He made his debut in the national side in 2004 and picked up a total of 120 caps over the years, also getting on the scoresheet on 24 occasions. Schweinsteiger guided the Germany football team to the third place in the 2006 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as the finals of the Euro 2008.
"I want to thank the fans, the club, the DFB, the coaches and the German national team. In 120 international matches I have played for my country I have experienced moments that were indescribably beautiful and successful," Schweinsteiger mentioned in a statement, written in German.
"Historically and emotionally I have achieved something that can no longer be repeated in my career. Therefore, it is right and proper now to call it quits and to wish the team the best for qualification and the 2018 World Cup. "
