Lahm to retire at the end of the season
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Article summary
Bayern captain Philipp Lahm will hang up his boots this summer after the 33-year-old announced his decision to bring forward his retirement date by 12 months.
Article top media content
Article body
Bayern captain Philipp Lahm is set to retire at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old, a UEFA Champions League winner in 2013, announced the decision to bring forward his retirement date by 12 months on Tuesday, a few days after reaching the 500-game mark for Bayern.
"I can continue with my leadership style, giving my best every day, in every training session, until the end of the season … but not beyond," he said following Bayern's German Cup victory over Wolfsburg. "It is clear to me I will stop."
Bayern youth product Lahm, described by Josep Guardiola as "the most intelligent footballer I've ever coached", is on course for a record-equalling eighth Bundesliga title this season.
"There are no plans beyond the summer. I will be a private person, which means I can devote myself to other things. I love football and the sport has given me so much. Hopefully the last months will be successful, but I want to end my career on my own terms."
He retired from international football in 2014 after leading Germany to FIFA World Cup glory and could yet bow out on the biggest club stage – Bayern's last potential match this season is the UEFA Champions League season in Cardiff on 3 June.
