Berlin, Sept. 2 -- Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has retired from international football after 86 appearances for Germany, bringing an end to a 12-year career with the national team, he announced.
The 33-year-old said he had taken time to consider his future following Germany's World Cup exit against Paraguay, before deciding to step aside ahead of new coach Jurgen Klopp's first squad announcement on September 17.
"After some time reflecting, I feel the moment has come to end my career with the national team and make way for the younger generation," Rudiger wrote on social media.
Born in Berlin, Rudiger made his senior Germany debut in a goalless draw against Poland in May 2014, shortly before the FIFA World Cup, although he was n...