Podolski retires from international football

BERLIN: Veteran forward Lukas Podolski announced his retirement from Germany's national team on Monday, ending a 12-year international career that saw him win the World Cup and score nearly 50 goals.

Podolski said in an Instagram post he had informed Germany coach Joachim Loew that he is retiring from international football with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old Galatasaray player, who was born in Poland, has played 129 games for Germany, scoring 48 times and winning the World Cup two years ago.

“The decision was very, very difficult for me,” he said.

“The national team was always close to my heart, and it will always stay that way. But after the Euro/vacation I felt that my focus had shifted. Everything has its time and my time with the DFB (German national federation) is over. “

Hello Fans, After twelve years and seven major tournaments, the time has come. I want to tell you today, that I have called Coach Löw to inform him, that I’ll not be part of the national team any longer. I’m at a point in my career where I want to cut it back a bit. Now, my focus shifts to other aspects. My club. My foundation. Obviously my family, my wife and my two kids. It was a hard decision to make. For me, the Mannschaft always has been and always will be an affair of the heart. I feel a great deal of pride: what an amazing time it has been, all that we achieved in these twelve years. It was an incomparable experience with so much joy, passion, emotion and togetherness. This two-year old boy, arriving in Germany with hardly more than a ball under his arm, winning the World Championship – I lived my dream. We won so much with the DFB-team. I have seen so many countries and cities, have met so many people, had so many unforgettable moments. It’s been quite a journey. Thanks to the DFB. Thanks to my fellow players. And heartfelt thanks to my coaches: Thank you, Rudi Völler. Thank you, Jürgen Klinsmann. And most of all, thanks Jogi Löw! My appreciation for all the fan support could not be greater. You guys have been amazing! You always kept the faith. You just never wavered, I could always rely on you. This connection has been so important for me. As I leave the Mannschaft, this is what I’ll miss the most: the closeness with the fans. For all and everything: Thank You! 🙏🏻❤️ For the German team, my best wishes. Let’s defend this great title in 2018 and keep this marvelous trophy. Starting today, I’ll keep my fingers crossed – as one more fan of the Mannschaft. Take care. It’s been an honor. your number 10 Poldi 🏆⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #thanks

A photo posted by Lukas Podolski (@poldi_official) on Aug 15, 2016 at 4:14am PDT

Podolski added that he wants to spend more time on other things, particularly his family.

He follows veteran midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in quitting the national team after the European Championship, where Germany lost 2-0 to France in the semifinals.

After the 2014 World Cup, stalwarts Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose also retired from the national team. Podolski made his Germany debut in June 2004 under then-coach Rudi Voeller.

He hasn't missed a tournament since, although he wasn't in Loew's starting team at either the 2014 World Cup or Euro 2016.

His final Germany appearance was as a substitute in Germany's 3-0 second-round win against Slovakia.

Pointing to his long history with Podolski, Loew praised his attitude.

“We celebrated together, but Poldi also always took responsibility when things didn't go so well,” Loew said.

“I can only thank him for his loyalty, his commitment, the fun and the joy that he brought to us again and again.”