Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football on Friday.
The Manchester United star, who will turn 32 on Monday was leading his national side in the recently concluded Euro 2016. They made it to the last four of the tournament, losing to host nation France in the semi-final.
Schweinsteiger was Germany's captain after Philip Lahm stepped down from his post after their national side beat Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He is fourth in the list of all-time appearances for Germany, with 120 appearances and has bagged 24 goals for the world champions.
"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 the future since I would like to retire," Schweinsteiger explained.
"In 120 international matches I was able to play for my country and experience moments that were indescribably beautiful and successful.
"We succeeded, historically and emotionally, in doing something that cannot be repeated in my career. It is therefore right and proper to call it quits now, and to wish the team for the qualification and the 2018 World Cup the best."
Schweinsteiger left Bayern Munich and joined the Red Devils last summer. He was signed by the 20-time English champions' former manager Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman was shown the exit door in May and he was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager is not looking to include the recently retired German international in his plans for the 2016/17 season. According to the BBC, Schweinsteiger's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain and could be offloaded in the summer transfer window.
