Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger retires from international football

Germany's decorated midfielder and captain, Bastian Schweinsteiger, announced his retirement from international football on 29 July.

Three weeks after Germany were knocked out of Euro 2016 by hosts France in the semifinals, the 31-year-old footballer revealed that he has decided to put an end to his 12-year long international career.

"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 future since I would like to retire," the star footballer announced on Twitter.

Schweinsteiger, who made his international debut in June 2004, retires as Germany's fourth most-capped player of all time with 120 caps - behind Lothar Matthaus (150), Miroslav Klose (137) and Lukas Podolski (129).

He holds the German record for most appearances at European Championship, having played 18 times at the tournament. The talismanic midfielder surpassed Philipp Lahm (14) after being brought on as a substitute in Germany's 1-0 group-stage win over Northern Ireland at Euro 2016.

The Manchester United player was part of the German football team that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. His international career is decorated with two third-place World Cup finishes and a runners-up spot at the 2008 European Championship.

Schweinsteiger also reached the semifinal of every major tournament he was involved in, with his overall record standing at 81 wins, 19 draws, and 20 defeats. He also boasts of 24 international goals for Germany.

Here's the translated version of Schweinsteiger's official retirement post on Twitter:

"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 future since I would like to retire.

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.

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."