SV Werder, Bastian Schweinsteiger

Dear fans of the German national team,

I just asked the national coach to not consider me for nomination for the national team in the future, because I would like to retire.

I wish to thank the fans, the club, the DFB, the coaches and team behind the German national team.

In 120 international matches I could play for my country and experience moments that were indescribably beautiful and successful.

Jogi Löw knew how much the EURO 2016 in France meant to me, I wanted to win this title at all costs, the title we couldn’t win for Germany since 1996.

 It wasn’t meant to be and I have to accept it.

By winning the World Cup in 2014, we achieved something historically and emotionally which can not be repeated in my career.

Therefore it’s right and rational to end my national team career now and to wish the team the best for the qualification and the World Cup 2018

With the resignation I leave the national team, which has always has been a valuable family to me. Even so I hope the bond will remain in one form or another.

I want to say to our fans at the end: “It was an honor to be allowed to play for you, thanks for everything I experienced with you”

Yours,