German captain Bastian Schweinsteiger on Friday announced his retirement from international football. The 31-year-old Manchester United midfielder confirmed on Twitter that he had informed his coach Joachim Low of his decision, ESPN reported.

He said: "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 Football Association] and the coaches and staff around the German national team."

Schweinsteiger was part of the German squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. "In 120 international matches, I was allowed to play for my country and experience moments of incredible joy and success," he added.