BERLIN -- Germany defender Per Mertesacker is retiring from the national team, becoming the third member of the World Cup-winning squad to quit. Jerry Rice Raiders Jersey . Mertesacker announced his decision in interviews with ZDF television and the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper Friday. "After 10 fantastic years in the national team, I have reached the decision to step down," ZDF quoted Mertesacker on its website as saying. "It was always important to me to stop at a successful time, and that is the case after winning the World Cup title." The 29-year-old, capped 104 times, added that many young and fresh players are coming up and "the point simply has come now to make the next step possible for these boys." The Arsenal defender follows Philipp Lahm and veteran striker Miroslav Klose, who have both walked away from international football since Germany beat Argentina 1-0 last month to win its first World Cup since 1990. "The national team is in such good shape that Im not at all worried about three players retiring now," Mertesacker said. He will now concentrate on his career with Arsenal, and told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung that he wants to become English champion with the London club. Mertesackers first game for Germany was against Iran on Oct. 9. 2004. He scored four goals for the national team during his career, and appeared in six of Germanys seven matches at this years World Cup in Brazil. World Cup-winning coach Joachim Loew, who is staying on for the 2016 European Championship, said Mertesacker "was always open to new things -- he always wants to learn, despite his immense experience." Loew said Germany would miss "Pers experience ... his positional play, above all his character and his attitude." "I could always rely on him in the 10 years he played for the national team," he said. Howie Long Jersey . Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic said his team will include 9th-ranked Janko Tipsarevic and 27th-ranked Viktor Troicki as he decided to let the top-ranked Djokovic rest. Willie Brown Youth Jersey .com) - NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Buffalo Bills. http://www.shoptheraidersonline.com/Elite-Isaiah-Johnson-Raiders-Jersey/ . "Thank you for the warm welcome," Beckham said on an 80-degree February morning. In this case, it was soccer weather. The sport moved a step closer to returning to South Florida on Wednesday, when Beckham confirmed he has exercised his option to purchase a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in Miami.Michael van Gerwen started the defence of his German Darts Masters title with a commanding 6-3 win over Rene Eidams in Munich. The world No 1 was pushed to the brink by Eidams in a tense contest at this years World Championships, but the latest meeting lacked the same drama, with Van Gerwen powering to victory over the German in the second round.An early break for Eidams raised the hopes of the home fans, but it only sparked a determined response from Van Gerwen, who reeled off four legs in a row. Eidams clawed back a leg, but could not prevent Mighty Mike from sealing victory in style as he produced a majestic 132 finish of two bullseyes and double 16.Reigning world champion Gary Anderson put in the performance of the night as he posted a 106.59 average, winning six consecutive legs on his way to a 6-1 victory over the in-form Daryl Gurney. Gary Anderson is safely through to the next stage Jelle Klaasen produced another ton-plus average as he inflicted a 6-0 thumping on Ronny Huybrechts, while Peter Wright hit 75 per cent of his doubles in a classy 6-4 win over Stephen Bunting. Derek Carr Youth Jersey. Adrian Lewis and Dave Chisnall both safely progressed to the third round with 6-4 scorelines against John Bowles and Jermaine Wattimena.But James Wade crashed out after a 6-4 defeat to Joe Cullen and Robert Thornton also departed, losing by the same margin to Chris Dobey. Also See: MVG held by Thornton Sky Bets darts odds On Sky TV Schedule/Results Features ' ' '