Die Mannschaft captain Philipp Lahm has retired from international football, calling an end to his 10-year love affair with the German national team.
Initially reported by German news outlet BILD (per 101 Great Goals), the 30-year-old Bayern Munich defender wishes to end his international career on a high and has decided now is the best time to hang up his boots, a revelation confirmed by the German FA.
"I told Jogi Low about my decision to retire from international football on Monday," stated the World Cup-winning captain.
BREAKING: Philipp Lahm calls an end to his international career
BREAKING: Philip Lahm retires from International football #GER
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) July 18, 2014
BREAKING: Philippe Lahm retires from international football. #legend #GER
— The Sun - Football (@TheSunFootball) July 18, 2014
"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."
Lahm, who inherited the armband from former skipper Michael Ballack prior to the World Cup in South Africa, led his nation in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, but saw his country go through heartache as they crashed out in the semi-finals in both competitions.
In 2014, though, the Die Roten full back guided his nation to World Cup success, as his side beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, winning football's greatest prize for his country for the first time since 1990.
Twitter reacts to the news of the 30-year-old defender's retirement
He was such a great captain for Germany. Saddening to see him go but glad he retires as a Weltmeister! We will miss you Phillip Lahm
