Boateng ready to succeed Schweinsteiger as Germany captain

Berlin, Aug 3 (IANS) Bayern Munich international Jerome Boateng has expressed his readiness to be the captain of the German national football team under the command of coach Joachim Loew, after Bastian Schweinsteiger announced his international retirement last week.

While in New York with Bayern Munich's camp to prepare for the new season and before the Real Madrid friendly, Boateng on Tuesday told Bild newspaper that he was ready to take up the responsibility anytime.

He added that it is a great task to handle, but highlighted that the final decision is up to Loew, reports Efe.

Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the current favourite to be the next captain, as he has already been the captain for the German team during this summer's European championship, when Schweinsteiger played only as a starter in the semi-finals against France.

Loew is expected to announce the new captain before Germany's upcoming match against Finland on August 31.