Lukas Podolski retires from international football
Germany striker Lukas Podolski has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old has decided to call it a day after making 129 appearances during a career which spanned 12 years for his country.
Podolski said in a statement to fans on his Facebook page: "Before the season and international matches start again soon, I wanted to inform you something: I've told the national team coach (Joachim Low) that I will no longer be playing for the national team.
"I am going to cut down a bit and dedicate myself more to other things, in particular my family.
"I am sure they are not going to complain when I have more time for them in future, and I'm really looking forward to that."
Last updated Mon 15 Aug 2016
http://www.itv.com/news/update/2016-08-15/lukas-podolski-retires-from-international-football/
