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They started together on the German national team, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger have one of the greatest stories in recent German football history. A story that wouldn't have ended so good if they hadn't won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil two years ago, but they were both able to lift it and now it seems like their time has finally passed. For German legend Lothar Matthaus, both players' time has come to an end, they should leave their place to new generations of players who are eager to play in the national team for the next World Cup.
Writing a column for Sport Bild, Matthaus said this: "Podolski and Schweinsteiger will have noticed [coach Joachim] Low no longer banks on them like in the past. Podolski knows other players are the future in his position. Schweinsteiger is being plagued by injuries and is missing a certain lightness. Both should be asking themselves whether they would do their body a favor by retiring from international duty. Maybe retiring from Germany duty could help them make a fresh start at Galatasaray and Manchester United."
Both of them can show off their World Cup from 2014, because contrary to what happened to Michael Ballack who wasn't able to win a single big trophy for his country, these two did and that's all that matters. During this past European Championship, it was evident that they are no longer the young lads they used to be and the time has come to call it quits. Unless they don't want to of course.
Photo credit: Getty Images
