After lifting the World Cup, Lahm quits international football

Germany’s World Cup-winning captain, Philipp Lahm, has decided to bow out of the national team to end that chapter of what has been an illustrious career.

The 30-year-old Bayern Munich defender who made his international debut 10 years ago led his country to World Cup glory against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro last week in what was his 113th international appearance.

He scored five goals for the Mannschaft.

Aside winning the 2014 World Cup, Lahm picked up a runners-up medal at the European Championships in 2008.

He took over as captain for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when Michael Ballack was injured, and played every minute of all Germany’s seven games on the way to glory in Brazil.

“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 and thanked him and everybody else at the DFB for the last few years.

“A World Cup victory is a label that you will always carry with you,” he added. “I cried, I screamed and I enjoyed in silence.”

He will continue to play for Bayern, having captained them to a historic treble of the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League in 2013, and he signed a new contract at the Allianz Arena this summer.

Germany will now look for a new captain to lead them into UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying, where they will take on Scotland, Poland, the Republic of Ireland, Georgia and Gibraltar.

Tributes

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 – Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Ten years in the national team, three years for Bayern; Philipp, it was a pleasure to play in one team with you – Lukas Podolski.

He was not only an exceptional player for the national team in these 10 years, but was always a role model. I have thanked him for everything that he has achieved for the DFB – German Football Federation (DFB) president, Wolfgang Niersbach.

Philipp is not only an exceptional player, he is also a great personality off the field. – DFB general secretary Helmut Sandrock.

Philipp Lahm is a model pro and his brilliant career will continue after international retirement. Some way to bow out! – Sepp Blatter.

I want to take the opportunity to express my great respect for what he has done for the national team – Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Philipp Lahm is the type of player you would have expected at the next World Cup with his playing ability and fitness – Rudi Voeller, former Germany manager.

Philip Lahm retires from international football. Great servant for the national team and a well-deserved World Cup winning captain – Didi Hamann.