Jerome Boateng would have preferred his Germany career to end in a better way but said on Tuesday he respected the decision of coach Joachim Loew.

Boateng and Bayern Munich teammates, Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller were told by Loew that he would not pick them in the future.

The coach said he looks to focus on youth in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

“I am sad about this news because it has always been the greatest thing for me to represent my country,” Boateng tweeted.

“Nevertheless, I respect the new course of action and understand the decision of the coach.”

The trio won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014 and were also part of the side which flopped four years later to crash out in the group stage.

Boateng, enduring a difficult season because of injury setbacks, was dropped late last year for games against Russia and the Netherlands.

The 30-year-old, who has 74 caps, had hoped to make a triumphant return to the national side.

But, after relegation from their UEFA Nations League group, Loew has opted to make radical changes.

“Personally, I am convinced that I can continue to play at the highest level and will continue to do so in the future. I will always look back with great pleasure on my time spent in the Germany team,” Boateng added.

“I have always been extremely proud to wear the jersey of the national team and I will never forget the summer of 2014 in particular.

“Of course, I would have wished for another farewell for us. Good luck to the team for the future.”

NAN