Bastian Schweinsteiger ended his global career on a winning note as Germany secured a 2-0 friendly victory over Finland in Monchengladbach.
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Schweinsteiger had succeeded Philipp Lahm after the last World Cup but the Manchester United midfielder announced his worldwide retirement after Euro 2016.
Goalkeeper Munich “Bavaria” Manuel Neuer was the captain of the German national team.
“I have worked with both players for 12 years – they have given the team so much. It has been an honour to play for you”, he told the crowd.
Germany’s clash with Finland in Monchengladbach on Wednesday night is a warm-up for their opening World Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo at the weekend.
“I am proud to be captain of the team, “the 30-year-old was quoted as saying by the German Football Association (DFB)”. (AP Photo) Germany’s Thomas Mueller (left) and Manuel Neuer (right) pick up Bastian Schweinsteiger on their shoulders after the match.
Neuer already has experience on the big stage.
Neuer has previously captained his country, and ahead of Euro 2016 spoke of how he was not concerned by who wore the armband insisting that every member of the squad was vitally important. The 32-year-old midfielder made a decision to quit the national team after the European Championship, where Germany lost in the semifinals to host nation France in July. “It would be a dream to once more show the [United] fans what I can do”, he said.
The match was played at a leisurely pace, with Germany’s goals coming in the second half.
Schweinsteiger is adamant his exile from the United first team does not represent the lowest point in a career which has been beset by injuries and the occasional setback at the highest level.
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“Along with winning the World Cup in Rio this day was certainly one of the most emotional”, he said.
