Dirk Nowitzki retires from international competition

After nearly two decades of duty with the German national team, Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki is hanging up his sneakers from international competition.

"The last match at Euro 2015 was my last match for Germany," Nowitzki told German newspaper Bild.

His last game made for a disappointing end to his legendary career. That German team, infused with experience from Nowitzki and youth from Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder, lost to Spain in the group stages last summer.

In turn, Germany will not be able to play in the upcoming 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero.

An emotional Nowitzki bid a "Auf Wiedersehen" after the match.

Nowitzki ends his career with 153 appearances for Germany. He captured a bronze in the 2002 World Championships (he was also named MVP), and fifth place in the 2008 Olympic competitions in Beijing.

Disco Dirk's NBA career with the Mavericks, however, is far from finished. The 37-year-old is averaging 17.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.