Bastian Schweinsteiger announces his retirement from international football

  The 31-year-old made his first appearance for the German

national side in 2004. Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his

retirement from international football.

The Manchester United midfielder, who was part of the 2014

World Cup-winning side, broke the news to fans via Twitter.

The German made his first appearance for the national side

back in 2004 and went on to earn 120 caps, scoring 24 goals

for his country.

Schweinsteiger had revealed in the wake of a disappointing

Euro 2016 campaign that he would make a decision on his

future but confirmed earlier today that he has requested to be

left out of all future national squads.

"I have just asked the national coach not to consider me in

the future in nomination for the national team," he said.

This follows the recent news that the German is facing the axe

at Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho looks to trim down his

squad.

With Paul Pogba’s arrival expected imminently, it seems

Schweinsteiger has been deemed surplus to requirements

under the Portuguese.

The 31-year-old enjoyed a mix season with United but

ultimately failed to make a lasting impression with the Premier

League side.

It remains unclear what now lies in store for the decorated

German midfielder.