Gomez retires from Germany duty - unless Low really needs him

Germany striker Mario Gomez has stepped down from the national team, but says he will make himself available again for the 2020 European Championship if he is still required by coach joachim Low.

The 33-year-old VfB Stuttgart player joins Mesut Özil in quitting the Germany team following their shock group stage exit at the World Cup.

"Now it's time to make room and give the many young and talented guys the opportunity to fulfil their dream," he wrote on Facebook on Sunday.

"Only if, for unlikely reasons, the coach sees a need for me in two years at the Euros and I really feel ready to help will I make myself available."