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Frustrated Frings mulling leaving German national team

AFP
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Frustrated Frings mulling leaving German national team
Photo: DPA

Torsten Frings is considering retiring from international football after the veteran midfielder was left on the bench for all bar six minutes of Germany's last two World Cup qualifiers.

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Frings said on Friday he felt humiliated after Germany coach Joachim Löw used him as a late substitution in the 2-1 win over Russia last Saturday and not at all in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Wales.

"Clearly I'm thinking of retiring," the 31-year-old who boasts 78 caps told Bild. "Not because I feel offended but because what's happened in these last few days has opened my eyes. Such a decision (to retire) needs time, it could take a few days or weeks."

Reflecting on Wednesday's match the Werder Bremen star said: "I wasn't even allowed to warm up against Wales. That was the final straw - a humiliation! I have the impression that he (Löw) doesn't see any prospect for me at the moment."

Löw defended his decision not to deploy the holding midfielder, saying: "I continue to rate him highly but due to the level of competition in the team no place is 100 percent guaranteed."

Frings though believes he deserves to start, suggesting his rivals for a place - Simon Rolfes and Thomas Hitzlsperger - are no better than him. He added: "In the national XI it's championship performances which should be decisive (Frings has a World Cup and Euro runners-up medal) and even if we're at the same level I expect the coach to grant me trust, respect and support."

Löw denied he lacked respect for the disillusioned Germany team member. "The fact that he didn't play in the last two games is due to the sporting situation at the heart of the national team,' he said.

Frings spent much of the 2007/8 Bundesliga season sidelined with injury and failed to make all the matches at Euro 2008 due to a fractured rib.

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