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Tears and goals as Keane, Schweinsteiger bow out

Germany, Ireland veterans call time on international careers after friendlies

Afp September 02, 2016

Schweinsteiger is carried by his teammates on their shoulders as say goodbye to one of Germany’s longest serving stalwarts. PHOTO: AFP

BERLIN/DUBLIN: Bastian Schweinsteiger let the tears flow on Wednesday as Germany’s captain made his final appearance for die Mannschaft in their 2-0 friendly win at home to Finland.

Schalke’s Max Meyer and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil scored Germany’s second-half goals, but the night belonged to Schweinsteiger, who played the first 66 minutes in Monchengladbach on his 121st, and final, international appearance.

“I think you all saw how it affected me. I had just wanted to enjoy every moment, but I hadn’t expected it to be so lovely,” said Schweinsteiger.

German fans cool on Schweinsteiger’s farewell

Twelve years since his debut, the 32-year-old announced his retirement at the start of August, but head coach Joachim Loew gave the Manchester United midfielder the chance to skipper his country one last time.

Even before kick-off, Schweinsteiger struggled to hold back the tears. He gave up, sobbing openly when the 30,121-strong crowd gave him a standing ovation.

“I didn’t think that would happen,” Schweinsteiger admitted, referring to his tears, when handed a microphone. “It was a huge honour for me to play for Germany.”

Schweinsteiger, Podolski to play for the last time in Germany friendly

Emotional finale for Ireland’s greatest goalscorer Keane

Robbie Keane told his Ireland teammates to never underestimate the honour of playing for their country after he pulled on the green shirt for the final time.

The Ireland skipper bowed out with his 68th international goal in his 146th appearance as Oman went down 4-0 in a friendly international in Lansdowne Road, Dublin.

“No, I won’t regret it [retiring],” he said. “It’s the right time. Will I miss it? Of course I will, having put that green jersey on for that long. It was a big part of my life but I don’t think I will sit back and regret it now. It’s been a pleasure, a privilege and an honour to have played for Ireland.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2016.

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