GERMANY'S most capped player Lothar Matthaeus last night announced his retirement from international football after nearly 16 years. The 35-year- old player, who has struggled with injury in the last two seasons, confirmed reports that he no longer wanted national team coach Berti Vogts to consider him for selection.

"I've had a good time with the national team. I am happy that I have come to a decision," the Bayern Munich player said. "It's a good decision for both myself and Berti Vogts."

Vogts, who is due to announce his European Championship squad next Monday, has not selected Matthaeus for warm-up games in the past few months.

Matthaeus won 122 caps - 19 more than Franz Beckenbauer - and captained the Germans when they won the World Cup in 1990. He also led the team at the 1994 finals. He last played for Germany in December 1994 before tearing an Achilles tendon which has hampered his game.