Handel » , capped 104 times, added that many

BERLIN -- Germany defender Per Mertesacker is retiring from the national team, becoming the third member of the World Cup-winning squad to quit. 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. Cheap Air Jordan 12 Canada . The two-time Olympic halfpipe gold medallist informed ESPN on Monday he plans to compete in Apsen, Colo. Jordan 12 For Sale Canada .com) - It appears both the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls will reach the playoffs, but the two squads are coming off losing efforts. http://www.cheapairjordan12canada.com/. - The Pittsburgh Pirates plan on keeping promising left fielder Starling Marte playing alongside National League MVP Andrew McCutchen for years to come. Air Jordan 12 Wholesale .Y. - Phil Varone was the lone scorer in the shootout as the Rochester Americans edged the Toronto Marlies 3-2 on Sunday in American Hockey League action. Jordan 12 Cheap Real . -- Orleans Darkwa ran in from 1 yard with 1:45 left, and the Miami Dolphins rallied from two scores down in the final minutes to beat the Dallas Cowboys 25-20 on Saturday night.Less than a week after allegations of child abuse came down against Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Nike has suspended their endorsement contract with the superstar player. "Nike in no way condones child abuse or domestic violence of any kinnd and has shared our concerns with the NFL," said Nike in a statement.dddddddddddd "We have suspended our contract with Adrian Peterson." Earlier Wednesday, the Vikings removed Peterson from the team until his legal issues are resolved. ' ' '