Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his decision to step down from the German national team. The German captain has had a glittering career for Die Mannschaft, earning 120 caps, scoring 24 goals and appearing in 7 major tournaments. During his final bout at Euro 2016, he became the player with the most appearances (38) at major tournaments, more than any other player in history.
Schweinsteiger made his debut for Germany in 2004 and has played a pivotal role for the national team ever since, almost being the cornerstone of the evolution of German football.
His stunning two goals against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup third-place tie, his motoring display against Argentina in South Africa 2010 all the way through to his colossal display for Germany in the World Cup final of 2014, more than merit him as one of Germany’s greatest players.
In his statement Schweinsteiger noted his joy at winning the World Cup and thanked the German faithful for their support:
By winning the World Cup in 2014 we achieved something historic and emotional that I will not be able to repeat in my career.
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!
Once dubbed “the brain” of Germany by Joachim Löw, the 2013 German player of the year will leave some big shoes to fill not only on the pitch but in the dressing room. With Germany recently losing other senior players including; Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose and Per Mertesacker, the team are seriously short of experienced leaders in the run up to the 2018 World Cup.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has enchanted German fans for a decade, from his bleach blonde streaks and playing out wide, to a more composed fighter in the centre of the pitch the Fußballgott will not leave German hearts easily. The German international showed desire, heart and passion in all of his matches to drive Die Mannschaft forward.
His club future also appears to be in a state of doubt with rumours that Mourinho finds him surplus to requirements. However, his remaining quality, his composure, his leadership and his undeniably superb reading of the game cannot be dismissed and whatever happens, the German superstar cannot be remembered as anything, but the God of German football.
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