BERLIN, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) - 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 on Tuesday.

Germany's defender #02 Antonio Ruediger controls the ball during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Germany and Paraguay at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 29, 2026. (File photo: AFP)

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 not selected for the squad that went on to lift the trophy in Brazil.

Germany's run to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 on home soil was the center-back's best result at either a World Cup or European Championship.

Germany were beaten 2-1 after extra time by eventual champions Spain, but Rudiger said the atmosphere generated by the home supporters remained one of the standout memories of his international career.

Rudiger also helped Germany win the 2017 Confederations Cup as a regular starter, his only senior international trophy. "Even though the big title eluded us at the recent tournaments and we had to endure some painful defeats, this period was an extremely special chapter for me that will shape me forever," he said.

Rudiger thanked his teammates for their unity and friendships, while also paying tribute to former Germany coaches Joachim Low, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, as well as former youth coach Horst Hrubesch. "When I first wore the DFB shirt in 2014, I could never have dreamed that it would eventually become 86 international appearances," he said.

Rudiger said he will now turn his full attention to Real Madrid, while Germany must prepare for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia without the experienced defender.