Berlin, July 18: Germany's World Cup winning captain Philipp Lahm has today announced his retirement from international football.

Defender Lahm has decided to quit the international scene less than a week after leading his team to World Cup glory in Rio de Janeiro.

Germany, led by Lahm, defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup 2014 final at Maracana stadium on July 13.

Wolfgang Niersbach, president of German Football Association, was quoted as saying today: "Philipp has called me this morning and informed me personally about this decision. In the conversation I very quickly realised that it was futile to want to talk him out of it. He was in his 10 years playing for the national team not only an outstanding player, but always an absolute role model. I thanked him for everything he has done for the DFB."

The official Twitter handle of German team, @DFB_Team_EN thanked Lahm while announcing that he had retired from international football after 10 years.

Thanks, Philipp! World Cup winning captain #Lahm announces his retirement from international football after 10 years. pic.twitter.com/VGuM6NuapP

— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) July 18, 2014

The tweet had pictures of Lahm, playing in German colours and also holding the World Cup trophy and celebrating.

The 30-year-old started the World Cup in Brazil in the midfield but coach Joachim Loew put him back to his regular defender's role. He played 113 matches for Germany since making debut in 2004.

Lahm will continue to play for his club Bayern Munich.

OneIndia News