Podolski resigns from Germany squad

Lukas Podolski retired from Germany' s national team with immediate effect, the midfielder announced in an official statement on Monday.

Two weeks after former Germany skipper Bastian Schweinsteiger announced his retirement, his friend Lukas Podolski ring down the curtain on his national team career as well.

"I told the national coach that I will not play for the national team from now on," Podolski said. "I want to take things easier and dedicate to other things. Most obviously my family."

The 31-year-old midfielder made his international senior debut against Hungary at the age of 19 in June 2004. Podolski made immediately an impact and provided Germany 48 goals in 129 official caps to become a key player.

"The national team has always been my heart thing, and it will always be. But, after the EURO I noticed that my focus has shifted. Everything has its time, and my time with the national team is over."

Podolski was part of Germany' s 2014 World Cup winning squad. He never played the full 90 minutes but he was fielded when Germany needed more variation in their offensive game.

"48 goals in 129 international appearances speak for himself and his footballing qualities," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "Together we have lifted the World Cup in Brazil. I have to thank him for his loyalty, his dedication and joy that he brought into the team."

From now on, Podolski will only tie his shoes for the Turkish top-flight club Galatasaray, where he joined in July 2015 to score 13 goals in 30 competitive outings. Endit