Lukas Podolski retires from international football

Germany striker Lukas Podolski has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect. 

Podolski has decided to call it a day after making 129 appearances during a career which spanned 12 years for his country. 

The 31-year-old said in a statement to fans on his Facebook page: 

"Before the season and international matches start again soon, I wanted to inform you something: I've told the national team coach [Joachim Low] that I will no longer be playing for the national team. 

"I am going to cut down a bit and dedicate myself more to other things, in particular my family. 

"I am sure they are not going to complain when I have more time for them in future, and I'm really looking forward to that." 

Podolski scored 48 International goals and helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup and finish runners-up at Euro 2008.