Mario Gomez has joined Mesut Ozil in announcing his international retirement, with the experienced striker no longer wishing to be considered by Germany.
Unlike his fellow countryman, the 33-year-old is bowing out in a positive frame of mind having fulfilled a childhood dream.
Gomez did grace the 2010 World Cup with his country, but saw injury struggles lead to him being overlooked for a successful campaign in 2014.
He was drafted back into the fold for the 2018 event and, with 78 caps and 31 goals to his name, the Stuttgart forward is now prepared to step aside and clear the path for a new generation to come through.
Gomez posted in a lengthy message on his personal Facebook account: “For me, a huge dream has come true with the World Cup in Russia. Even if the cut-off and the pathetic departure in the group-round [meant] we all failed.
“My entire career, I was allowed to play for the German national team. But when I had to watch 2014 [it] hurt, I finally realised how much [I was missing] the team and what a great honour it is for me to [play] for such a team.
“I wanted to experience these moments, these emotions. As a team and for me! I gave it all!”
