"?Lukas Podolski has informed Germany head coach Joachim Low that he is retiring from international football with immediate effect.
"?The German took to social media to announce that he has bought an end to a glittering career on the international stage that spans twelve years following his debut against Hungary in 2004.
Posting on his official Instagram account. 'Poldi' addressed the fans to inform them of his decision to focus on other aspects of his life.
"After twelve years and seven major tournaments, the time has come. I want to tell you today, that I have called Coach Low to inform him, that I'll not be part of the national team any longer... It was a hard decision to make. For me, the Mannschaft always has been and always will be an affair of the heart..."
Having been born in Poland, Podolski moved to Germany at the age of two, going on to represent the country on 129 occasions and referred to his disbelief at his rise in the statement following a difficult start in life.
"This two-year old boy, arriving in Germany with hardly more than a ball under his arm, winning the World Championship - I lived my dream."
The Galatasaray man featured on two occasions against USA and Portugal, as Germany lifted the World Cup in Brazil"? after an extra time victory over Argentina.
His last cap for the country came in the Euro 2016 last-16 tie with Slovakia, coming off the bench to make his only appearance of the tournament as Germany eased through to the next round with a 3-0 win.
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Following the news, a number of Podolski's now former teammates have praised the 31-year-old for his service to Die Mannschaft.
Do you remember, @Podolski10?? We fought, suffered, laughed & won together. ?? Thanks for everything ? #bro #AHA pic.twitter.com/Fkl3MoYWat
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We had a lot of fun together and many wins with the @DFB_Team! All the best, @podolski10! pic.twitter.com/nm6ZuVKdWB
Take care, bro ?? It was a pleasure to be your teammate in the @DFB_Team! I wish you all the best for your future!?? pic.twitter.com/YRbzDc8G0I
.@Podolski10, only the best for you ?? We'll miss you at @DFB_Team! We had so much fun & successful moments #goodbye pic.twitter.com/3i5eE3clqx
The former Arsenal forward is the latest high profile name to have called time on their international career with Germany in recent years, following the likes of Philip Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger.