Lukas Podolski criticises Jose Mourinho and Manchester United over Bastian Schweinsteiger treatment

The former Germany captain has been exiled to the under-23s

(Getty Images)

Lukas Podolski is the latest German to hit out at Jose Mourinho over his treatment of Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The former Germany captain, who retired from international football this month, has been exiled from the first-team squad, with Mourinho saying he will not play for the club again.

Schweinsteiger joined United last summer but struggled to make an impact as injuries riddled his first season at Old Trafford.

Podolski spent most of his 129 Germany caps lining up alongside Schweinsteiger and the 31-year-old is unhappy with the perceived lack of respect shown to his friend by Mourinho.

“When you look at the career Bastian has had, I can only say that what is happening there is simply not right for a player of his stature,” Podolski told German sports daily Bild.

“I do not know what Mourinho has discussed with Bastian. But is clear that it is not okay to drop someone like Basti to the reserves.

“A coach should always keep his door open to all players, and especially to players like Schweini.”

Podolski and Schweinsteiger helped Germany to World Cup glory together (Getty Images)

Podolski, who left Arsenal in 2015, currently plays for Galatasaray in Turkey but is eying up a move to the MLS, and hopes Schweinsteiger can escape his United nightmare and join him in the United States.

“I think America is great. Moving abroad is good for personality development and it would also be good for our children,” Podolski added.

“Clearly it would be possible to play with Schweinsteiger in the States.”