Melanie Behringer retires from Germany national team

Melanie Behringer announced her international retirement on Tuesday. The Bayern Munich midfielder spent more than eleven years in the Germany shirt, having won everything there is to win on the international level.

Behringer helped Germany win the World Cup in 2007, the European Championship in 2009 and 2013, and the Summer Olympics in 2016. She’s going out at the top of her game, having been the leading goalscorer at the Rio Olympics.

In announcing the retirement, Behringer released a statement through the DFB.

“I have worn the shirt for than 11 years and it gives me great pride to say that. It was a gift to have so much success, and the Olympic medal completes my collection as a Germany international. I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for me to enjoy my journey with the national team so much and gave me support along the way: my friends, my family, the whole training staff of the national team and last but by no means least, my wonderful fans. A special thanks, too, to the players! It was a fantastic time, and one I will never forget.”

Germany coach Silvia Neid knows the great player and leader that she’s losing in her side.

“Melanie Behringer was a commanding presence at the Olympics. For me, she was player of the tournament, and she was a huge factor in our winning gold. She showed herself to be a real team player and a fantastic servant to the team. She would never let a setback get her down and would always fight back in difficult moments.”

Behringer will, however, continue her playing career with Bayern. Considering she’s only 30 years old, she likely has a few more years of playing at an elite level in front of her.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Annike Krahn also announced her international retirement.