Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
Related Articles
The German Football Federation (DFB) will thank two long time internationals in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski with a final farewell match.
The international friendly against Finland on August 31 in Mönchengladbach will be played under the motto “Servus, Basti.” The match against the Scandinavian team is Germany’s first fixture since the 2016 UEFA European Championship and it will provide the setting for the captain’s retirement. After EURO 2016, Bastian Schweinsteiger asked head coach Joachim Löw to no longer consider him as an option for the national team. Löw accepted this request but Schweinsteiger’s retirement will not commence properly until after the match against Finland.
Podolski also announced his retirement from international football on Monday. He was also meant to play his last game in a Germany shirt against Finland, however, he is unable to feature in the game because of the ankle injury that he sustained in the final of the Turkish Supercup between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
“Bastian and Lukas have rendered a great service to the German national team, the DFB and German football,” said Joachim Löw. “I know that it will mean a lot to both of them to play for their country one last time. It really shows how important the national team has been for them.”
The head coach also spoke about Podolski’s current situation: “It is a shame that Lukas can’t play in Mönchengladbach. However, I assured them that he will be able to personally say goodbye to the fans on the pitch one last time. Germany supporters will also definitely want to see him play for his country again. We will find an opportunity to make up for him not being able to feature against Finland.”
This means under the motto “Tschö, Poldi!”, Podolski’s last game hasn’t been cancelled but postponed until an appropriate date for the fixture can be found. What is certain, however, is that the scheduled friendly will take place in Germany.
Lukas Podolski issued a statement on his situation. “Everyone knows that the national team holds a special place in my heart. It was an honour to play for Germany. Obviously I wish I could play in Mönchengladbach but unfortunately my injury rules me out. I am extremely grateful to DFB and the head coach for allowing me to play one last game for Germany. But I’m most looking forward to seeing all the fans. I wish I could bid farewell to them all individually.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger also spoke about the upcoming meeting with Finland. “It will be a special evening for me in Mönchengladbach and I have a lot to thank DFB and the Germany fans for. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to put on the Germany shirt one last time.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger, who became the national side captain after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, has won 120 caps for Germany. Together with Lukas Podolski, the pair made their debuts in June 2004 against Hungary in Kaiserslautern. As part of the Germany squad, both players won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Podolski has made 129 appearances and scored 48 goals for Germany. Only Miroslav Klose (71) and Gerd Müller (68) have found the net more often for Germany.
Following the retirements of Podolski and Schweinsteiger, DFB president Reinhard Grindel spoke of his admiration for the duo. “It is fantastic that the Germany fans have one last chance to see their heroes, Schweinsteiger and Podolski, play for Germany and bid them farewell. The fact that Joachim Löw has given Podolski the chance to say his goodbyes in a later fixture speaks volumes about his character. This view is also shared by all involved with the DFB. Both players have accomplished so much in their time and these games will be fitting occasions for the fans to say thank you.”
Team coordinator Oliver Bierhoff spoke in a similar vein. “Basti and Lukas were not just incredible footballers but fundamental pillars of our team for years, not just because of their outstanding footballing ability but also their great personalities. They have earned the right to take centre stage once more. Of course it is a bit of a shame that they cannot play their last game together, but for both players we are really looking forward to having them in our team once again.”
