Germany forward Mario Gomez has announced his international retirement following the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Gomez made three appearances in his final tournament, finishing with a disappointing exit in the group stages.
The 33-year-old scored 31 goals for his country over an 11-year span, but will join Mesut Ozil in retiring from the squad this summer.
"For me, the World Cup in Russia was a huge dream come true," Gomez wrote on his Facebook page.
"Although the miserable departure in the preliminary round has us all deeply disappointed. For all my career I was allowed to play for the German national team. But when I had to watch injured in 2014, I finally realized how much I missed the team and what a great honour it is for me to be able to play for such a team.
"With the European Championship 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, I was allowed to participate in two other major tournaments. For that I feel the greatest gratitude, even if the expectations at the last tournament could not be fulfilled.
"Unfortunately you can not always leave the field as a winner. My time in the national team was not always easy, not always successful and yet beautiful! I have met many people with whom I will remain very attached. But now is the time to make room and give the many young and highly talented boys the opportunity to fulfil their dream, to prove themselves, to gain experience and to achieve the best for Germany.
"I will always stay connected to the DFB team and, like all Germans, I am now a big fan of this team. I wish the team, the coaches and the whole team around the team only the best! I will enjoy time with my family during international matches and keep my fingers crossed."
Gomez rejoined Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart from Wolfsburg in January, netting eight times in the second half of the season.
Matthew Jones
