Bayern München have been dealt a surprise blow as captain Philipp Lahm announced last night that he intends to end his professional playing career at the end of the season and will not put himself forward for the available position of sporting director.
“I wanted my retirement to be my own decision. I’m going to stop playing football at the end of the season. I’m certain I’ll maintain my peak form through to the end of the campaign, but not beyond it,” said the 33-year-old in the mixed zone following the defending DFB Cup champions’ 1-0 last-16 win over VfL Wolfsburg on Tuesday night.
Not the right time
“It’s not the right time for me to take up a position at FC Bayern,” said Lahm about why he will not be fulfilling another role at the record champions from the summer. “We held talks and I decided that that is what’s best. From summer, I will simply be a man of private means. It will give me time to do other things.”
Lahm has played for Bayern since 1995. Last Saturday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Schalke saw him make his 500th competitive appearance for the Munich club.
Bayern München have been dealt a surprise blow as captain Philipp Lahm announced last night that he intends to end his professional playing career at the end of the season and will not put himself forward for the available position of sporting director.
“I wanted my retirement to be my own decision. I’m going to stop playing football at the end of the season. I’m certain I’ll maintain my peak form through to the end of the campaign, but not beyond it,” said the 33-year-old in the mixed zone following the defending DFB Cup champions’ 1-0 last-16 win over VfL Wolfsburg on Tuesday night.
Not the right time
“It’s not the right time for me to take up a position at FC Bayern,” said Lahm about why he will not be fulfilling another role at the record champions from the summer. “We held talks and I decided that that is what’s best. From summer, I will simply be a man of private means. It will give me time to do other things.”
Lahm has played for Bayern since 1995. Last Saturday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Schalke saw him make his 500th competitive appearance for the Munich club.
