Philipp Lahm Retires From International Duties

Philipp Lahm (30), the German captain who led his team-mates to the World Cup victory, in the just concluded tournament in Brazil, has announced his retirement from international duties.

He wants to concentrate on club football. Bayern Munich, the club where he ply his trade extended his contract until 2018.

Lahm represented Germany in international duties for 113 times, and the crowning glory came with winning the World Cup, last Sunday on the 13th.

                                                   Philipp Lahm

In his message in the German football association (DFB) website, he said
''I am happy and grateful, that the end of my career with the national team coincided with winning the World Cup in Brazil,'' Lahm wrote.

The President of DFB, Mr Wolfgang Niersbach, said that Lahm, was not just a superb footballer, but also a real role model.

''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.''

His club President and former German international Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, said that there is no better way to say farewell, than to leave at the height of your career and also as a World Champion.

''There is hardly a better farewell than to be a World champion at the peak of your career.'' Read also: africanfootie.blogspot.com