FanPost

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm retires from international football

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Bayern Munich (and Germany) captain Philipp Lahm announced his retirement from international football today. Lahm hangs up his boots at 30 after 130 caps culminated in hoisting the most coveted trophy in all of football.

Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel was amongst the first paying tribute to Lahm stating, "I’d like to express my respect for what he achieved with the national team." Germany manager Joachim Löw added, "he’s the kind of player you always want as a coach. Philipp is a model professional who puts the team's success above everything else. His intelligence and versatility as a player have allowed him to play at the highest level on the international stage for many years."

Some will undoubtedly be surprised by Lahm's decision to walk away from international football at just 30 years of age. But after once again being allowed to thrive in his natural role of right back and playing nearly mistake free football on through the final, there was little else to prove on the highest stage.

Cheers to one of the game's best for a storied international career. Here's hoping a few more Bundesliga titles and perhaps even another Champions League crown remain in his future.

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