Antonio Rudiger retires from international football after 12-year Germany career

Germany defender Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 12-year career with the national team.

The 33-year-old centre-back made the decision to step away from international duty in order to concentrate on his club career while allowing younger players to emerge within the Germany setup.

Rudiger won 86 caps for Germany after making his senior debut in 2014. He went on to become a key figure in the national team's defence, representing the country at three World Cups and several European Championship tournaments.

Announcing his decision on Instagram on Tuesday, Rudiger said he had taken time to reflect before concluding that it was the right moment to close the international chapter of his career.

"After some time to reflect, the time has come for me to end my career with the national team and make way for the younger generation," Rudiger wrote.

Although Germany failed to secure a major international trophy during his later years with the team, Rudiger described his time with the national side as a deeply significant part of his career.

"Even though we didn't win a major title in recent tournaments and had to endure some painful defeats, this time has been an extremely special chapter for me, one that will shape me forever," he added.

Rudiger said his attention would now turn exclusively to club football as he begins the next phase of his career.

"A new chapter is now beginning for me, one in which I will focus entirely on my club," he said.