Grings ends Germany career

Germany striker Inka Grings, the top scorer at UEFA Women's EURO 2005 and UEFA Women's EURO 2009, has retired from international football following their successful 2013 qualifying campaign.

Grings, 33, was unable to play a full part in qualifying due to injury and, with Germany having clinched top spot in Group 2 and a place at next summer's final tournament in Sweden, the FC Zürich forward has decided she will not add to her 64 goals in 96 internationals. As well as helping Germany win the last two European titles, she played at the 1999 and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cups and claimed Olympic bronze in 2000.

"I had the feeling that now is the right time," said Grings, a 2009 UEFA Women's Cup winner and multiple Frauen Bundesliga top scorer with FCR 2001 Duisburg. "After the World Cup I had agreed with [coach] Silvia Neid to be there for EURO 2013 qualifying. Then we wanted to look at the situation again.

"My injury meant I could not help as I had hoped, but the young players have stepped up and did so wonderfully. That's why I can be reassured in leaving. It has always been my dream and goal to play in the national team. Looking back, this makes me proud and happy. It was a wonderful time."

Neid added: "In Inka Grings, we are losing a charismatic player. She was a key performer and a leader, and had great respect within the team. For young players in particular she was more than a go-to person, and talents like Alex Popp see her as something of a mentor. The reason for that is also that she has a very professional view of her sport, which is why as coach I also enjoyed working with her."