Schweinsteiger made his debut in 2004, in a 2-0 loss to Hungary, and finished with 121 caps. “I had just wanted to enjoy every moment, but I hadn t expected it to be so lovely”, admitted Schweinsteiger who was carried off after the final whistle by his team mates. We’ve talked a lot together, sometimes about things not regarding football and his authentic, his open and his honest manner has impressed me every time.
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“It was a huge honour for me to play for Germany and I just want to say thank you for everything”. Newly appointed Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has not played Schweinsteiger once since taking over the team, and it seemed clear that Schweinsteiger would move on to a new team before the Premier League’s transfer deadline, which was Wednesday.
The 30-year-old Neuer will wear the captain’s armband for Germany’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier away to Norway in Oslo on Sunday.
The hosts had the better of the first-half chances.
Three minutes later, Finland centre-back Paulus Arajuuri clattered his own post.
It remained goalless at the break, but there were worrying scenes for Arsenal fans when new-signing Shkodran Mustafi took a knock early in the second-half, but played on.
And Low hailed Schweinsteiger’s contribution to the national team, particularly his role in helping Germany to World Cup glory in Brazil two years ago.
The 32-year-old announced his decision to walk away from worldwide football following Germany’s Euro 2016 semi-final defeat to France.
Leaving the match in the 67th minute, Schweinsteiger received another standing ovation.
Germany plays Norway in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday as it begins its campaign to defend its title in Russian Federation in 2018, but coach Joachim Loew rested most of his regulars, giving young players a chance to prove themselves.
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Germany boss Joachim Low is anxious that Bastian Schweinsteiger will sign off his global career in front of a disappointing crowd next week.
