Bastian Schweinsteiger announced on Friday morning that he would be making himself unavailable for international duty after representing Germany for the last 12 years.

The Manchester United midfielder has hung up his boots having made 120 appearances for the world champions, scoring 24 times in the process.

An open letter penned by the 31-year-old has revealed his gratitude for "the fans, the team, the DFB, the coaches and the national team's backroom staff".

"Dear Germany fans. I have asked the national team coach to not consider me for Germany selection in future, as I would like to step down from the national team. I would like to thank the fans, the team, the DFB, the coaches and the national team's backroom staff," read the letter.

"I was able to play 120 matches for my country and experience many indescribably brilliant and successful moments. Jogi Low knew how much the 2016 European Championship in France meant to me, because I wanted to bring the title that we hadn't won since 1996 back to Germany.

"It wasn't to be and I have to accept that. We managed an emotional and historical success when we won the World Cup in 2014 and it is something that I won't be able to do again in my career. That is why it is right and sensible to bring it to an end and wish the team all the best in qualification for the 2018 World Cup."

"Despite stepping down from the national team, I hope that I will be able to have a connection with it in one way or another, as it has been like a family to me. I would like to conclude with a message to the fans: "It was an honour to play for you, thank you for everything that we have been able to experience together!"

Schweinsteiger captained his nation at Euro 2016, but could not prevent the world champions from losing to France in the semi-finals of the competition.