End of an era for two international legends

Both players bidded an emotional farewell to international football and are almost certain to be missed by their countries.

Manchester United outcast Schweinsteiger played his last game for Germany as they beat Finland 2-0 in a friendly in Monchengladbach. Schweinsteiger was visibly emotional and struggled to hold back the tears in a presentation before the game.

The midfielder had a glittering international career, playing 121 times for his country, scoring 24 goals. The 32-year-old made his international debut in 2004 and won the World Cup in 2014.

"It means so much that you're here today. It has been an honour to play for you," Schweinsteiger told the crowd in Monchengladbach.

"I think you all saw how it affected me. I had just wanted to enjoy every moment, but I hadn't expected it to be so lovely".

As for Keane, the LA Galaxy striker bows out as Ireland's record goalscorer, scoring more than three times as many goals as any other Irish player.

The 36-year-old's international career has been quite astonishing, Keane has enjoyed a successful club career which has seen him play for the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool, but it seemed as though that there was just that extra edge when the Irishman pulled on his country's shirt.

The LA Galaxy man has shown an unbelievable commitment to his country, even travelling from the USA to play in friendly matches and Keane massed 146 appearances for Ireland and scored 68 goals for the Republic of Ireland, more than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and David Villa have scored for their countries. That's not to mention that the Republic of Ireland will play a great deal of game as the underdogs, meaning Keane was not always afforded numerous chances to score each game.

The former Spurs striker rounded off his international career in true Keane style, scoring in a 4-0 win over Oman.

"It's the best feeling in the world and that's what I just mentioned to the players, 'Never underestimate that'. I don't think those players will," Keane said last night.