Dortmund: Bastian Schweinsteiger is welcome to join the Germany coaching staff, national team coach Joachim Loew said just hours before the veteran midfielder announced his retirement on Tuesday. "The time has now come and I will be finishing my active career at the end of the season," Schweinsteiger wrote on Twitter. "Saying goodbye as an active player makes me feel a little nostalgic, but I am also looking forward to the exciting challenges that await me."

The 35-year-old former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder has effectively hung up his boots as his current team Chicago Fire team failed to make the MLS play-offs. Shortly before Tuesday's announcement on social media by Schweinsteiger, Loew said the midfielder could join his staff. "We will always have a place for him," said Loew in Dortmund where Germany are preparing to host Argentina in a friendly on Wednesday.