Manchester United ace Bastian Schweinsteiger retires from international football as Germany star aims to win over Jose Mourinho ahead of squad clear-out
Ex-Bayern Munich man was plagued by injuries last season and has a big task convincing Old Trafford boss to keep him
MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has retired from international football with Germany.
The ex-Bayern Munich man was plagued by injury last season and faces a tough task convincing Jose Mourinho to keep him at Old Trafford for the coming Premier League campaign.
The 31-year-old was grabbed by Louis van Gaal last summer and earmarked as the man to dictate United’s style.
But he was panned for contributing to the bland and pedestrian style that saw them dominate possession but not score many goals.
The 2014 World Cup winner suffered two knee injuries last season, the first cost him playing time across January and the whole of February.
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And the second more serious problem ended his season, with his final appearance coming in the 1-0 over bitter rivals Man City in March.
The former Bundesliga boss married tennis star Ana Ivanovic in Venice in July over two lavish ceremonies.
And he will get plenty more time to spend with his new bride after opting out of the busy international football schedule.
The Portuguese boss prefers having senior players around his squad but he also demands fitness and resilience from his players making Schweiny vulnerable in the coming months.
SunSport revealed he is one of nine players teetering on the edge of the axe from United but his huge wages and two remaining years won’t make it easy for United to shift him.
The German said: "I have just told the national head coach (Joachim Low) to no longer consider me for selection in the future as I would like to retire.
“I would like to thank the fans, the team, the German Football Association and the coaches.
“In 120 internationals, I have been allowed to run out for my country and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful.”
He added: “Winning the 2014 World Cup was an historic and emotional moment for us, which will not be repeated again in my career.
“Therefore, it is the right time and sensible to finish now and to wish the national team all the best for the qualifying stage and the 2018 World Cup.
“Finally, I just want to say to our fans: ‘it was an honour to have been able to play for you, many thanks for everything that I was able to experience with you’.”