Bayern Munich star Philipp Lahm has decided to retire from international football in the wake of Germany’s successful World Cup campaign.
The 30-year-old played a key role in Germany’s world title this summer, making seven appearances to help his side to their first major trophy since Euro 1996 at the expense of Argentina.
Lahm will not play a role in Germany’s hunt for more silverware, however, having told head coach Joachim Low that he’s no longer available for the national team.
“I told Jogi Low about my decision to retire from international football on Monday,” Lahm told Sport Bild.
“I’d been thinking about it over the course of last season. I am delighted that things all came together with this World Cup win.
“I gave DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach a call this morning and thanked him and everybody else at the DFB for the last few years.”
Lahm, who captained Germany since permanently replacing Michael Ballack in 2011, made his official Germany debut in the 2-1 win over Croatia in February 2004 and had since developed into one of Germany’s undisputed star players.
The right-back has made 113 appearances for the freshly crowned world champions and sits fourth in the all-time ranking behind Lothar Matthaus (150 caps), Miroslav Klose (137) and Lulas Podolski (116).
Lahm featured at the European Championships of 2004, 2008 and 2012, as well as at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
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Source: Goal.com