Philipp Lahm posts classy tribute to pal Bastian Schweinsteiger ahead of Germany farewell match

Aug 31, 2016

PHILIPP LAHM has posted an emotional tribute to pal Bastian Schweinsteiger ahead of his final international match.

Schweinsteiger, 32, announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2016.

Viel Spaß bei deinem letzten Spiel fürs @DFB_Team und genieß den Abend, @BSchweinsteiger! pic.twitter.com/vZrC6gvbKt

— Philipp Lahm (@philipplahm) August 31, 2016

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm were part of the World Cup-winning Germany team — Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm both won the World Cup with Germany
IMAGE: AP:Associated Press

Bastian Schweinsteiger replaced Philip Lahm as Germany captain when his pal retired
IMAGE: Reuters

The two Germany legends have been stars of the national team since 2002
IMAGE: Bongarts

He will play his last game for Germany against Finland at Monchengladbach’s Borussia Park tonight.

Lahm, who spent ten years alongside Schweinsteiger for the national team, posted a heartfelt picture to Twitter, captioned: “Enjoy your last game for @DFB_Team and enjoy the evening , @BSchweinsteiger !”

Lahm, also 32, and Schweinsteiger played together for Bayern Munich for 13 years until the latter left for Manchester United.

Bastian Schweinsteiger plays his final Germany game tonight against Finland
IMAGE: dpa

The Germany legend will say farewell in front of a crowd of 20,000 people in Monchengladbach — The Germany legend will say farewell in front of a crowd of 20,000 people
IMAGE: Getty Images

Schweinsteiger also replaced Lahm as captain of the national team when the Bayern legend retired in 2014.

Lahm won 113 caps for his country while tonight's match will be Schweinsteiger's 121st.

Mario Gotze followed Lahm's lead by uploading a picture, captioned: "Basti, show us the right direction once again. @bastianschweinsteiger #servubasti"

The game will serve as an underwhelming farewell to the Germany skipper, with just 20,000 tickets having been sold to mark the occasion.

Schweinsteiger's club future is in disarray after being told by Jose Mourinho he is not part of his plans this season.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm played together for 13 years at Bayern Munich — Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm played together for 13 years at Bayern
IMAGE: AP:Associated Press

Both stars became world class players while at Bayern Munich
IMAGE: Getty Images

But the experienced midfield ace has risked the wrath of the Old Trafford manager by snubbing a move to Sporting Lisbon.

Yesterday he rubbished claims of a rift between him and Mourinho, insisting it is his "dream" to play for United again.

He said: "My absolute dream would be to continue playing for Man United. I have no personal problems with Jose Mourinho.

Bastian Schweinsteigers Manchester United career is currently in turmoil
IMAGE: PA:Press Association

Jose Mourinho has told Bastian Schweinsteiger he is not a part of his plans this season — Jose Mourinho has told Bastian Schweinsteiger he is not a part of his plans
IMAGE: PA:Press Association

“We had a good exchange, he explained his standpoint to me. I know what Manchester United want. But I also know what I want.

“You will have to wait and see what happens in September, October. It’s respectful between both parties.

“I will certainly not stop playing football. I still believe in my own ability. I could still help Man Utd if given the chance.”

Tags: Football

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