Lukas Podolski has announced his retirement from the national team on his Facebook page, Bild has reported.
‘I told the national coach that I will retire from the German national team with immediate effect. I have decided to take a step back and dedicate myself to other things – primarily my family,’ Podolski wrote.
The attacking player has played for Germany since 2004, racking up 129 matches for them which puts him at third in the all-time list of German caps. With 48 goals, Podolski is also the fourth highest goalscorer in DFB history. He competed in seven international tournaments and was part of the World Cup winning team of 2014.
The ex-Cologne and Bayern player added on Facebook: ‘This decision has been very difficult for me. The national team has always been close to my heart and always will be. But during the European Championship this summer I felt my focus had shifted. Everything has its time and my time at the DFB is over.’
