Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger will not play in tomorrow’s friendly against the Netherlands after admitting the terrorist attacks in Paris left him “speechless”.
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Schweinsteiger is one of six players who have been released by head coach Joachim Low and will not play against the Dutch in Hanover.
“I am still speechless about what happened on Friday,” the 31-year-old wrote on his social media accounts. “My sincerest condolences to everybody who is affected by this terrible tragedy.
“My prayers also go out to all the people who lost their lives the day before in Beirut. No matter where you come from and what religion you follow – we are united.”
The Manchester United midfielder captained Germany against France on Friday in a 2-0 defeat which was overshadowed when at least 129 people were killed in a series of violent terrorist attacks across the French capital.
Several deaths occurred near Paris’ Stade de France where the friendly international took place.
German chancellor Angela Merkel and senior ministers will attend Tuesday’s friendly in a show of solidarity.
A spokesperson for the German government confirmed Merkel will attend after the German Football Association (DFB) announced that the game in Hanover will go ahead as planned.
“The message is clear: we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism,” said DFB interim president Reinhard Rauball.
“The fact the team will run out against the Netherlands a few days after the bad experiences in Paris sends a message.
“Head coach Joachim Low and every one of his players deserve respect for this demonstration of solidarity with the victims and the entire French people.”
The presence of Merkel and members of her cabinet amid the expected tightened security in Hanover is seen in Germany as a show of support for the victims of the horrific scenes in Paris.