Maracana final proved Schweinsteiger’s finest
LOEW THANKS RETIRING STAR FOR MORE THAN A DECADE OF SERVICE
Having announced his international retirement yesterday, Germany’s midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger walks away from die Mannschaft two years after his crowning moment in helping win the 2014 World Cup.
Bloodied, but unbowed, Schweinsteiger was magnificent at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium in the final, ensuring Germany controlled the midfield before Mario Goetze’s extra-time winning goal.
After 12 years and 24 goals in 120 international appearances, ‘Schweini’ leaves having been a key factor in Germany reaching at least the semi-final stage of the last six major tournaments.
Injuries
The last two injury-hit years have been unkind to the 31-year-old, who opted to quit Bayern Munich, the club he joined as a teenager in 1998, for a high-profile switch to Manchester United in 2015.
A knee injury in January was aggravated while on Germany duty in March, restricting him to a handful of games, before coming off the bench in their opening Euro 2016 group game to score with his third touch of the ball in a 2-0 win over Ukraine.
The March injury to the medial ligament in his right knee meant he played in only five of Germany’s six Euro 2016 games — sitting out the goalless draw against Poland — and started only the semi-final defeat to France.
On his return to Old Trafford, after marrying tennis star Ana Ivanovic, new United boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly told the Germany star he is free to find a new club with two years left on his contract.
With his club future open, now is the right time for Schweinsteiger to quit international football with Germany to play their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in September.
“I have just told the national head coach (Joachim Loew) to no longer consider me for selection in the future as I would like to retire,” wrote Schweinsteiger.
“I would like to thank the fans, the team, the German Football Association and the coaches.
“In 120 internationals, I have been allowed to run out for my country and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful.
“Winning the 2014 World Cup was a historic and emotional moment for us, which will not be repeated again in my career,” said Schweinsteiger.
“Therefore, it is the right time and sensible to finish now and to wish the national team all the best for the qualifying stage and the 2018 World Cup.
“Finally, I just want to say to our fans: ‘it was an honour to have been able to play for you, many thanks for everything that I was able to experience with you’.”
Germany coach Loew thanked the midfielder, insisting: “On each occasion, I had the feeling he gave everything for the national team and strongly identified with our values and goals.
“As a coach, I benefited a lot from him and can only thank him for everything he has done for me.”