Schweinsteiger ends international career

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 semi-final 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 Twitter account.

"The historic and emotional high was winning the World Cup in 2014," the Manchester United player added.

Schweinsteiger was vice-captain of the national team when Germany edged Argentina in extra-time to claim a fourth World Cup title and took over as captain when his then Bayern Munich teammate Philipp Lahm stood down after the 2014 tournament.

His seventh major tournament saw him lead Germany to the last four of the European Championships earlier this month but the 2-0 defeat to hosts France proved to be his 120th and last appearance.

His first call-up came as a 19-year-old in June 2004 and a year later, he scored the first of 24 international goals.

"I was able to turn out 120 times for my country and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful," he tweeted.

"It is only right and sensible to finish now and wish the team all the best in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup."