Germany Women’s international Lena Goeßling has annnounced her retirement from international football. The 33-year-old defensive midfielder informed head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg in a phone call last week.

“I have informed the coach that I am no longer available for Germany duty,” said Goeßling in a statement released by the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund (German FA). “It’s something that was already on my mind during the World Cup. It was important to me that I end my international career on my own terms. I feel like the moment is right. My full focus is now on my club. I have experienced so many incredible moments with the national team and am grateful to have been a part of them.”

Head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said: “I have huge respect for Lena’s decision. She always gave her all for this team and was a great role model for the younger players both on and off the pitch. Even though Lena didn’t get many minutes at the World Cup in France, she was always a leader and supported her teammates in an exemplary manner. Her mindset is fantastic and is testament to her strong character.”

DFB vice president Hannelore Ratzeburg added: “With her performances and positive approach, Lena Goeßling has helped shape the team over the past eleven years and has done a great deal for women’s football in Germany. The national team will certainly miss her as a player and a person, but we respect her decision and are very thankful for her years of hard work.”

Joti Chatzialexiou, sporting Director for National Teams, DFB said: “Lena has enjoyed great success as a player and can look back at a memorable career in Germany colours, with Olympic Gold in 2016 the standout highlight. She grew into the role of leader throughout her international career and really took to it – there’s a reason she won 106 caps. We wish her all the best in her club career!”

The experienced VfL Wolfsburg star made her debut on March 28, 2008 against China and went on to earn 106 senior international caps for her country. She was part of the Germany squad which won Olympic Gold in 2016, as well as the 2013 UEFA European Championship winning team.