Basti hangs up boots for Germany... and United too?

Bastian Schweinsteiger has today revealed that he is retiring from international football. Some in Germany were surprised that Manchester United’s midfielder was even included in the Euro 2016 squad after an injury ravaged season at Old Trafford.

Yet Schweinsteiger was likely taken for his leadership qualities. Germany’s captain, Sami Khedira, insisted Basti was the real captain, even if he didn’t wear the armband.

Schweinsteiger even scored for Germany against the Ukraine, and after the game joked that his celebration wore him out.

However, Schweinsteiger played a minor role in the tournament and later conceded a penalty against host nation France.

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.

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!’

This news comes a day after reports in England suggested that Schweinsteiger had been told by Jose Mourinho that he was surplus to requirements at United. The German was at Carrington yesterday but didn’t train with the first team.