DFB president Reinhard Grindel, head coach Joachim Löw and team coordinator Oliver Bierhoff have all made statements following Bastian Schweinsteiger’s retirement from international football.
DFB president Reinhard Grindel: "In Bastian Schweinsteiger, a true legend is stepping down from international duty. His name will forever be closely linked to the 2014 World Cup final in Rio, in which he showed all of his qualities and virtues: world-class ability and absolute commitment. It is clear to see that he has decided that now the younger players should be the ones to take on the challenge of the 2018 World Cup. Bastian shared with me in a personal conversation that the DFB has always been like a family to him and he is very grateful for all of the years spent together. We are all extremely thankful to him for wearing the shirt with such passion in his 120 appearances, and for achieving so much for German football, on and off the pitch. Bastian Schweinsteiger will always remain an idol for children and young people."
Head coach Joachim Löw: "I would like to express my thanks for twelve years of trust, in a professional and personal sense. There is absolute faith between the two of us in every part of our relationship. We were always able to talk about sporting and personal matters, and through his impeccable conduct he has really shaped the Germany team. At all times, I had the feeling that he was giving everything for the team and fully identifying himself with our values and goals. As a coach, I have profited a lot from him and would simply like to say thank you. I wish him all the best in the future."
Oliver Bierhoff, team coordinator: "Through his performances and personality, Bastian has shaped the Germany team over the past twelve years. As a footballer, he helped to form a new awakening for German football after the disappointment of EURO 2004. His sporting highlight was of course winning the 2014 World cup in Brazil, where he showed his true qualities in the final – absolute commitment, team spirit, demanding a lot from himself and total determination. We will miss him as a player and as a person, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best for whatever the future holds. I would like to thank him personally for all of the support he has given us."
DFB president Reinhard Grindel, head coach Joachim Löw and team coordinator Oliver Bierhoff have all made statements following Bastian Schweinsteiger’s retirement from international football.
DFB president Reinhard Grindel: "In Bastian Schweinsteiger, a true legend is stepping down from international duty. His name will forever be closely linked to the 2014 World Cup final in Rio, in which he showed all of his qualities and virtues: world-class ability and absolute commitment. It is clear to see that he has decided that now the younger players should be the ones to take on the challenge of the 2018 World Cup. Bastian shared with me in a personal conversation that the DFB has always been like a family to him and he is very grateful for all of the years spent together. We are all extremely thankful to him for wearing the shirt with such passion in his 120 appearances, and for achieving so much for German football, on and off the pitch. Bastian Schweinsteiger will always remain an idol for children and young people."
Head coach Joachim Löw: "I would like to express my thanks for twelve years of trust, in a professional and personal sense. There is absolute faith between the two of us in every part of our relationship. We were always able to talk about sporting and personal matters, and through his impeccable conduct he has really shaped the Germany team. At all times, I had the feeling that he was giving everything for the team and fully identifying himself with our values and goals. As a coach, I have profited a lot from him and would simply like to say thank you. I wish him all the best in the future."
Oliver Bierhoff, team coordinator: "Through his performances and personality, Bastian has shaped the Germany team over the past twelve years. As a footballer, he helped to form a new awakening for German football after the disappointment of EURO 2004. His sporting highlight was of course winning the 2014 World cup in Brazil, where he showed his true qualities in the final – absolute commitment, team spirit, demanding a lot from himself and total determination. We will miss him as a player and as a person, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best for whatever the future holds. I would like to thank him personally for all of the support he has given us."
