Friday 29 July 2016 11:18, UK
Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international duty with immediate effect.
The Manchester United midfielder won his 120th cap in Germany's 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-finals of the European Championship.
The former Bayern Munich favourite was a key part of the Germany team which won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Schweinsteiger released the news of his decision on his official social media account.
"I have asked Joachim Low in the future to no longer consider me for the national team," Schweinsteiger stated.
"My thanks go to the fans, the team, the DFB [German Football Association], the coaches and the Germany national team.
"I was able to run out 120 times for my country and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful.
"Jogi Low 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.
"With this retirement, I am leaving the national team which has always been a valuable family to me. I hope that this bond will remain in one form or another.
"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."
Schweinsteiger, who will celebrate his 32nd birthday on August 1, is reported by several media outlets to be available for transfer from United this summer.
