Makaay wants Schweinsteiger glory

Roy Makaay hopes to see Germany win Euro 2012 for former Bayern Munich team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Dutchman enjoyed a prolific four-year spell with the Bavarian giants, scoring 102 goals in 178 games and lifting the Bundesliga title twice.

And though he accepts that Vicente del Bosque’s Spain are the favourites for success, he revealed his desire to see his 27-year-old former colleague taste glory.

“Germany have an excellent team,” he told AD.

“I think Spain are top favourites, but immediately after them I see Germany. I especially wish that Bastian Schweinsteiger lifts the European title.”

Joachim Loew’s men face Italy in the quarter-finals and Makaay, who is now a youth coach at Feyenoord, believes the Azzurri can be defeated.

“They have to go deep against Italy on Thursday, but I think and hope that Germany will reach the finals,” he said.

The 37-year-old also insisted that Bayern Munich’s penalty shootout loss to Chelsea in the Champions League final will not weigh on the minds of the German squad.

“I do not think losing that final has a negative impact on the German players,” he said.