If you had to pick one person who represents the German football team in the 21st century, it’s Bastian Schweinsteiger.
He couldn’t be more German if he had the three adidas stripes running down the side of his face.
He has won 120 caps for his country, the last of those coming tonight in a friendly against Finland.
And it was clearly hard to say goodbye at the end of an international career stretching back to 2004.
Schweinsteiger was withdrawn 68 minutes into the game for Julian Weigl, and the World Cup winner struggled to hold back tears.
Departing captain @BSchweinsteiger struggles to fight back the tears on an emotional night in Germany. #GERFIN pic.twitter.com/bxNwVLSEel
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 31, 2016
Schweinsteiger may have to wait a while for his next senior game in any capacity.
He has been frozen out at Old Trafford by manager Jose Mourinho, and recently revealed he has no plans to join another European club before his career is over.
But he wants to fight for his place in Manchester United’s midfield rather than leaving for Major League Soccer.
He left the field to a standing ovation from fans at Borussia Park, with the crowd just as sad to see him hang up his international boots.
.@BSchweinsteiger leaves the field for the last time as a Germany international. What a send off.👏 #GERFIN https://t.co/GJ7Sk9bRvJ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 31, 2016
He follows fellow 2014 World Cup alumni Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose and Per Mertesacker in ending his international career.
A member of the victorious 2014 World Cup winning team and a veteran of several major tournaments, his shoes will be big ones to fill.
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