Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has retired from international football after lifting the World Cup with Germany.
Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm has decided to retire from his illustrious international career at the age of 30. Lahm has revealed that he arrived at this decision before the World Cup started and has signed off in style after helping Die Mannschaft to their fourth World Cup title in Brazil.
Philipp Lahmai??i??s international career started in 2004 when Rudi Voller handed him his debut in a 2-1 win over Croatia. Since then the Bayern Munich defender has made 113 appearances for his national side and established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation.
Lahm captained Germany to their fourth World Cup title in Brazil as they defeated Argentina in the final and the he has decided to retire at his peak. The 30-year-old has explained his decisions to the fans in an open letter and revealed that he arrived at this decision at the end of last season itself.
ai???During last season I made a decision to end my international career after the World Cup.
ai???I shared my decision with Germany coach Joachim LAi??w at breakfast on Monday. I am happy and thankful that the end of my national team career coincided with winning the World Cup in Brazil.
ai???I have been on holiday for the past three days and here have had the quiet and time to mentally come to terms with the end of my national team career. A heartfelt thank you for a wonderful time.ai??? ai??i?? Lahm wrote.
DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach has thanked Lahm for his wonderful contribution towards the team over a span of 10 years.
“Philipp called me this morning and personally informed me of this step. I very quickly realised that it was pointless trying to persuade him to reconsider his decision.
“He was not just a superb player for 10 years in the national team, but also a complete role model. I thanked him for everything that he’s done for the DFB.” ai??i?? He said.
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge feels Lahm couldnai??i??t have decided to retire at a better moment, but insisted that the German team will find it hard to replace a player of his stature in the squad.
There is hardly a better farewell than to be a world champion at the peak of your career.
“But for the national team, it will not be easy to replace Lahm as a player, captain and a man.” ai??i?? Rummenigge said.
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