Experienced duo right to retire, says Loew
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski have picked the right time to bring their international careers to an end, according to Germany coach Joachim Loew.
Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger will be given a testimonial by Germany tomorrow, when they face Finland in an international friendly.
Former Arsenal forward Podolski will not be involved since he is currently sidelined with injury but he too will be given a testimonial at a later date as Germany honour two players Loew says he will miss, but who have made the right decision in retiring.
“It’s a very good time for both of them (to retire),” Loew said.
“Both of them have defined this national team and achieved great things, winning the World Cup.
“They will be missed as people, but on the other hand there is always the chance of a revolution taking place after a major tournament.”
Loew believes that will happen now after Germany were beaten in the semi-final of Euro 2016.
“Everybody knows the names on our long list, and they are Julian Brandt, Max Meyer, Leon Goretzk and also the two full-backs who played at the Olympics,” he said.
“They have enormous potential, like Niklas Suler and Jonathan Tah. We therefore...