Tuesday, 2nd September, 2014



Bastian Schweinsteiger has been named the new captain of the German national team.

The 30-year-old acted as vice-captain under Philipp Lahm, who announced his surprise retirement from the Nationalmannschaft after Germany's World Cup victory earlier this summer. 



The Bayern Munich midfielder was one of several strong contenders to succeed Lahm, with younger players such as Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid) and Mats Hummels (Dortmund) also featuring on the potential candidates list.

However, despite his appointment, Schweinsteiger will not take up his new role in Germany's games against Argentina and Scotland this week due to an injury to his patellar ligament. Bayern Munich colleague Neuer will deputise for him.

In today's press conference, Germany manager Joachim Low was quick to praise the player's commitment and positive influence, stressing that he was the right man for the job despite his current niggles.

 


"Bastian is injured at the moment, but he won't be out for months.

"When it counted I could always rely on him over the last years. I trust him completely."

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Schweinsteiger made his Germany debut in 2004 under Rudi Voller and has been playing for Bayern Munich since 1998 when he joined the Bundesliga outfit as a youth player.

The midfielder has accumulated 108 caps for Germany, making him one of the most experienced internationals in the squad.

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