Schweinsteiger in tears after German win in friendly match

Schweinsteiger burst into tears as he was honoured before kick-off and was cheered nearly every time he touched the ball. The 32-year-old midfielder decided to quit the national team after the European Championship, where Germany lost in the semi-finals to host nation France in July. 

Leaving the match in the 67th minute, Schweinsteiger received another standing ovation. Minutes earlier, a fan managed to run onto the pitch unchallenged and took a selfie with the smiling Schweinsteiger before running off. 

“I was very touched, I was enjoying every second,” he said. “It was a great honour to play for Germany and you fans.” 

Germany used a largely second-string line-up and eased past a Finland team that rarely threatened. 

Germany’s goals came in the second half. Max Meyer broke the deadlock in the 55th and substitute Mesut Ozil completed the win in the 77th. 

Schweinsteiger made his debut in 2004, in a 2-0 loss to Hungary, and finished with 121 caps.