Finland friendly Schweinsteiger's last dance for Germany
(Xinhua) Updated: 2016-08-31 09:20
 |
|
German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has retired from international football, he announced on Friday, July 29, 2016, saying he was disappointed to have not finished his career with a win at Euro 2016 in France. [Photo/Agencies] |
BERLIN - Germany's friendly-game against Finland this Wednesday evening most likely won't be a thrilling experience for football fans.
For 32-year-old Bastian Schweinsteiger though it will be an unforgettable game as it will be his last for Germany.
A few days ago, the Manchester United midfielder announced his retirement from the German national team after 120 games and over 12 years. After Schweinsteiger conquered football's peak by winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, his career has nosedived.
The Finland game will now be his last dance on the international stage. Schweinsteiger's last appearance in a German shirt is accompanied by the question whether it will be his last concert in professional football as his future at his club doesn't look bright to say the least.
ManU coach Jose Mourinho announced his intention to sideline Schweinsteiger who joined United when Louis van Gaal was in charge.
"It' ll be extremely hard for him to come back," Mourinho said.
The German has to train with Manchester's reserve team. While Mourinho was criticized by Schweinsteiger's former club Bayern Munich and former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Portuguese is obviously convinced Schweinsteiger's career is on the wane.
Hitzfeld called Mourinho's decision "disrespectful", saying: "Bastian Schweinsteiger is a personality in football and one that deserves a different kind of treatment," when interviewed by the Berlin-based newspaper "Die Welt".
Hitzfeld continued, "Bastian knows how quick things change in professional football. I' m sure he is still capable of being a key figure for a big club."
Hitzfeld additionally expects Schweinsteiger to fight back and regain a place in a top team's squad, either at his present club or elsewhere.
Recently Schweinsteiger announced his intention to finish his career in Manchester and rejected a move to another European outfit. Juventus Turin was said to be interested in Schweinsteiger. Now rumors are growing that Schweinsteiger could join Major League Soccer in the USA or the Chinese Super League next winter.
Schweinsteiger himself talked about "respectful talks" with Jose Mourinho. "I know his point of view and his goals," Schweinsteiger said. "I won't stop playing football, no matter what happens to me in Manchester."
