Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm announces retirement
Bayern Munich's captain Philipp Lahm revealed that he will retire from his playing career at the end of ongoing season. Lahm, who made his 500th appearance for Bayern last Saturday, has another year left on contract. The footballer also turned down the role of vacant sports director with the club and stated that "it's not the right time to step up with FC Bayern."
Philipp Lahm was born on 11 Nov 1983, in Munich, Germany. He is considered as one of the greatest defenders of his generation. A Bayern Munich youth product, Lahm continues to play for the club as a full back. He has 113 Germany caps and made more than 500 appearances for Bayern. He retired from international football in 2014.
Philipp Lahm won every conceivable title playing for country and club. He captained Germany's World Cup winning team in 2014, the best possible achievement for a footballer. Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to title. Lahm guided Bayern Munich to 2013 Champions league victory, where they beat Borussia Dortmund in the final. He also won seven Bundesliga (German league) titles with the club.
Barring a loan spell with VfB Stuttgart (2003-05), Philipp Lahm is a one-club man with strong loyalty to his home-town club Bayern Munich. He joined Bayern in 1995 as an 11-year-old, and made his senior debut with them in 2002. Lahm became the club captain in 2011. Owing to his positional awareness and two-footedness, Lahm can play as left-back, right-back, and a defensive midfielder.
Describing Lahm Pep Guardiola, the former Bayern manger said, "He is an absolute legend. Philipp Lahm is the most intelligent footballer I have ever coached."
