Germany forward Lukas Podolski has confirmed his retirement from international football with immediate effect.
Podolski, who plays at club level with Galatasaray, suggested in January 2015 that Euro 2016 would be his final major tournament with the national team.
Podolski made his Germany debut under Rudi Voller in a 2-0 friendly loss against Hungary in 2004, going on to make 129 appearances and score 48 goals for his country.
The forward was named Best Young Player at the 2006 World Cup on home soil and was included in the Team of the Tournament for Euro 2008.
Podolski’s career highlight came in Brazil in 2014, however, when Germany were crowned world champions at the Maracana, and he thanked everyone who helped him through his international career.
