As Ireland waves goodbye to one of its all time football greats, something similar is happening in Germany tonight.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is skippering his international team for the last time this evening and it's an understandably emotional moment for him.
Emotional scenes as Bastian Schweinsteiger plays his final game for Germany. End of an Era. pic.twitter.com/MvGP8m6Y1n
— 888sport (@888sport) August 31, 2016
The German star shed tears of pride mingled with sadness tonight at Borussia-Park ahead of his his side's friendly against Finland. Germany begin their World Cup title defence against Norway this weekend but Schweinsteiger, who played an integral role in their 2014 victory, decided on his international retirement in July.
Bastian Schweinsteiger crying before his final game for Germany tonight. A true legend and a class act 👠pic.twitter.com/o8whijXOSb
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) August 31, 2016
The former Bayern Munich player departs the international scene with over 120 caps. He also featured in the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 European Championships as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Bastian Schweinsteiger's final game for the German National team. 🇩🇪
This breaks my heart! 😓💔https://t.co/LQWFaM5PT7
— IG:- Olomi__ (@MUFC_Family01) August 31, 2016
Bastian Schweinsteiger is the ultimate model professional. What a player and a what a legend.
— Alex Fenwick (@Fenwick1991) August 31, 2016
