Germany's golden generation of active decorated footballers is one fewer in number after Galatasaray striker Lukas Podolski announced his retirement from international football Monday.
Podolski, 31, joins Die Mannschaft mates Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose, Per Mertesacker, and Bastian Schweinsteiger as members of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad who have announced the end of their international days.
His last action for Germany was during Euro 2016, where he played a bit part, making just one 18-minute substitute appearance in a 3-0 group-stage victory over Slovakia.
The social media savant announced the news on Instagram, attaching a lengthy message with a collage of his days in a Germany kit.
"For me this is (a) very emotional farewell," the statement reads. "I am proud of what I experienced with the DFB. ...
"Thanks to the team behind the team! Thanks to my teammates. And thank you coach. Thanks Rudi Voller. Thanks Jurgen Klinsmann, and most of all, thanks Joachim Low."
Germany's all-time third-best cap-winner and goal-scorer, Podolski retires having bagged 48 goals in 129 appearances for his country, pairing one World Cup victory with two third-place finishes and a finals defeat in the 2008 European Championships.
Currently plying his trade in Turkey with Istanbul giant Galatasaray, Podolski emerged as a continental star playing with FC Koln, which became his de facto hometown club after he and his family moved from Poland when he was 2.
Podolski then made the switch to Bayern Munich before returning to Koln ahead of moves to Arsenal, Inter Milan, and finally Turkey, where he has scored 13 times in 30 appearances.