MANCHESTER UNITED and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old was part of the team that was beaten by France in the semi-final of Euro 2016 three weeks ago and became the captain of his national team following Philipp Lahm's 2014 retirement.

Schweinsteiger steps down from the international fold after racking up 120 caps for his country, scoring 24 goals and helping them to World Cup glory two years ago.

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He retires with the impressive record of having reached at least the semi-final of every major tournament he was involved in with his country. 

He wrote on Twitter this morning: "Dear fans of the Germany national team. I have just asked the national team coach not to consider me any more for his national team selections in future since I would like to retire.

"My thanks go to the fans, the team, the DFB (German Football Association), the coaches and the Germany national team.

"I was able to run out 120 times for my country and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful.

"Jogi Low knew how much Euro 2016 in France meant to me because I desperately wanted to win this title, which we have not been able to bring back to Germany since 1996.

"It wasn't to be and I have to accept this.

"By winning the 2014 World Cup, we did something historic and also achieved something emotionally which will never be repeated again in my career.

"Therefore it is only right and sensible to call it a day now and wish the team all the best for qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, and for the final tournament.

"With this retirement, I am leaving the national team which has always been a valuable family to me. I hope that this bond will remain in one form or another.

"To finish with, I would like to say to the fans 'it was an honour to be able to play for you, many thanks for everything I was able to experience with you!' Yours, Bastian Schweinsteiger."