“The national team has always been in my heart, and they always will be, but I felt after the Euros and the vacation that my focus has shifted”.
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Podolski was included in the squad for Euro 2016, but only made one appearance during the tournament, being substituted in the 71st minute in Die Manschaaft’s 3-0 win over Slovakia on June 26.
Podolski follows former Bayern Munich and Germany team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger in quitting the national team after the European Championship.
“I will take things easier and devote myself to other things”, Podolski wrote on Instagram.
Podolski retires as Germany’s third highest capped player with 129 appearances, behind only Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose, having scored 48 goals. “There is a time for everything, and my time with the DFB is over”. In 2006 he was named the World Cup’s best young player after scoring three goals.
Podolski’s career highlight came in Brazil in 2014, however, when Germany were crowned world champions at the Maracana, and he thanked everyone who helped him through his global career.
“The decision was very, very hard for me”, he said. “Nothing can replace what it gave me, the team cohesion, joy and passion”, he continued.
“From a two-year-old Polish boy who came to Germany with a ball under his arm to a world champion”, he added.
“Thanks to the DFB”. And thank you to the coaches.
Podolski added: ‘My biggest thanks go to you, the fans. And especially: thank you Joachim Low! You have always stood by me, even in the bad times.
‘With the DFB I celebrated great success on the pitch, but not only that I’ve seen different countries and cities around the world and have met great people and many friends.
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‘I could always rely on you and this bond between us was extremely important.
