Bastian ends international career

Berlin, July 29

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger announced his retirement from international football on Friday, bringing to an end a glittering career that ended in disappointment with a semifinal exit at Euro 2016 in France.

“It wasn’t to be and I have to accept it,” the 31-year-old said in a statement on his verified Twitter account. “The historic and emotional high was winning the World Cup in 2014.” 

Schweinsteiger was vice-captain when Germany edged Argentina in extra-time to claim a fourth World Cup title. — Reuters

Know Bastian 

• Date of birth: 1 August 1984 
• Place of birth: Kolbermoor, Bavaria (Germany)
• Height: 1.83 m (6 ft)
• Playing position: Midfielder
• International appearances: 120 (wins: 81; defeats: 20)
• Goals: 24 
• Makes international debut in June 2004 in a 2-0 defeat by Hungary in Kaiserslautern.
• Endures a disappointing debut in a major tournament as Germany are eliminated in the group stage of Euro 2004.
• Stars for Germany as Juergen Klinsmann’s side reach the 2006 World Cup semifinals on home soil, but lose to eventual winners Italy after extra time.
• Scores twice in a 3-1 World Cup playoff win over Portugal to help Germany finish third in Stuttgart.
• Suffers more disappointment as Germany lose 1-0 to Spain in the Euro 2008 final.
• Loses out to Spain again in 2010 World Cup in South Africa, as Carles Puyol’s header secures a 1-0 victory in the semifinal.
• Germany are eliminated by Italy in the last four of Euro 2012.
• Schweinsteiger ends his long wait for a major international trophy two years later in Brazil, after Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final.
• Following the international retirement of Bayern team mate Philipp Lahm, Schweinsteiger takes over as Germany captain.