Former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has urged Mario Gotze to leave Borussia Dortmund.

Schweinsteiger says Gotze needs to find a club where he will play regularly.

The World Cup winner has been linked to AC Milan, along with Everton and West Ham United in England.

"It's a very, very bad thing, I think," Schweinsteiger told ARD.

"We all know that Mario Götze was a great talent when he was younger. Now at the age of 27 or 28, these are the best years in football."

He added: "It does not have to be the best club in Europe, but I hope that he can find a club where he will play."