Bastian Schweinsteiger has called time on his international career as speculation over his Manchester United future intensifies.

The 31-year-old,whose final game for Joachim Low's side was the 2-0 defeat to France at Euro 2016, is hanging up his boots after glittering career over 120 caps including the World Cup win in 2014.


Schweinsteiger revealed the news on his social media platforms on Friday morning with a message for Germany fans.

"Dear Germany fans, I have asked the manager not to consider me for inclusion in the natonal side any longer as I would like to retire.

My thanks go to the fans, the team, the DFB, the coaches and support team around the Germany national team.

I was able to run out for my country in 120 internationals and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful.

"Jogi Low knew how much Euro 2016 in France meant to be, because I was desperate to win this trophy which we have not been able to take back to Germany since 1996. It was not to be and I have to accept that.

By winning the World Cup in 2014 we achieved something historic and emotional that I will not be able to repeat in my career.

"So it is the right and sensible thing to do to call time on things now and to wish the team all the best for qualifying and the 2018 World Cup.

By retiring I am leaving behind the national team, which has always been a precious family to me. But I hope the connection will still be retained in one form or another.

"And to end I would like to say to our fans: “It was an honour to be able to play for you, thank you for everything we were able to experience together!”

"Yours, Bastian Schweinsteiger"

Former Bayern Munich star Schweinsteiger was restricted to just 13 Premier Leagues during his debut season at Old Trafford, with talk increasing that Mourinho will not allow him to add to that tally.Alongside the 31-year-old, Mourinho is also thought to have told Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Adnan Januzaj, Paddy McNair, Will Keane and Tyler Blackett that their futures lie elsewhere.

Mourinho, set to land his last major target this summer in Paul Pogba, is thought to be beginning to strip his squad with the start of the Premier League season less than three weeks away.

With United's glamour friendly vs Manchester City cancelled this week, preparation for the new campaign has been less than ideal.

The next chance for Mourinho to take a look at his new squad will be Saturday's friendly against Galatasaray in Sweden.

United will return for the FA Community Shield on August 7 and open their Premier League season up against Bournemouth a week later.

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/bastian-schweinsteiger-retires-germany-duty-8518626


Another disastrous signing by Mr Philosopher... Lalasticlala Mukina2 obinoscopy

oohh nooooo.... This breaks my heart... He is one of the best player of Germany and Man U...

TrapQueen77:
oohh nooooo.... This breaks my heart... He is one of the best player of Germany and Man U...

b]Did you say best player at Man Utd?...Please sit down[/b]

IgotYourBackFam:


b]Did you say best player at Man Utd?...Please sit down[/b]

Y don't u STFU & stitch ur big mouth... I wasn't talking to u anyway..

Abeg, shift ur asa somewhere else.

Good move schweini. German machine