Schweinsteiger retires from Germany duty

Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football, but the former Germany captain may still be set for the Manchester United exit.

Rumours are afoot that the midfielder is set to leave England after moving from Bayern Munich just last summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Fenerbahce among those apparently interested in Schweinsteiger.

Related - Report: Schweinsteiger misses Manchester United training as exit nears

Stepping away from national team duties would suggest he's focusing his exertions solely on his club football, but he leaves Die Mannschaft a hero as the fourth most capped player of all time and a 2014 World Cup winner.

The statement began, with translation from ESPN FC:

"I just asked the national team coach to not consider me for future call-ups for the German national team, because I want to end my international career. My thanks go out to the fans, the team, the DFB (German FA), and the coaches and staff around the German national team.

"In 120 international matches I was allowed to play for my country and experience moments of incredible joy and success."

Despite a 2015-16 campaign hampered by injury problems at United, Germany manager Joachim Low still selected the veteran in his 23-man squad for Euro 2016. Schweinsteiger was unfortunately culpable for an Antoine Griezmann penalty during the semi-final elimination to France due to handling the ball in the area.

"By winning the World Cup in 2014 we created something historical and emotional, which cannot be repeated in my career," he continued. "Which is why drawing a line is now the reasonable and right thing to do. I wish the national team all the best for the qualification and the World Cup in 2018.

"With my decision I leave the national team, which was always a precious family to me. I hope that this connection will stay intact in another form.

"To my fans I want to say: 'It was an honour for me to play for you. Thank you for everything that I could experience with you!'"