Lahm’s career in pictures
Lahm announced on Tuesday that he would be retiring at the end of the season, a year ahead of the expiration of his Bayern contract.
The defender also revealed he would not take up a planned post of sporting director with the German champions, instead taking a sabbatical to reflect on a next move.
Bayern, though, revealed the 33-year-old’s decision to retire had initially taken them by surprise and that they had expected to announce the news in a joint statement, rather than Lahm doing so personally.
Lahm attempted to provide some clarity by making a Twitter statement on Thursday, which read: “Having had a day to process my decision, I would like to share some more detailed thoughts regarding the choice to end my football career this summer.
“Just as with my retirement from the national team, I trust my inner senses. As a captain, it’s very important for me to always deliver a top quality performance, and I realise that I won’t be able to do so beyond this season.
“I have been a player for FC Bayern since the age of 11. Except for two years in Stuttgart, I have always worn the FCB jersey. Therefore, it is clear for me, that I will be working together again with FCB at some point in the future.
“As you all know, I am a person who likes to be prepared – this is why I’d like to take a step back in order to reflect on football as a whole and think about how best to make use of my expertise and experiences.
Bayern advance in DFB Pokal
“I always approached this decision with a lot of thought. In comparison to my resignation of the DFB team, this one will mean the completion of my football career. I am glad to state my decision to you and to bring some clarity to the situation.
“For now, my focus lies completely on the remaining games. Surely, I will experience them more consciously than ever, knowing they are my last.
“We are in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup, we want to achieve the fifth consecutive championship in the league – and next week against Arsenal we will face a true performance benchmark. Huge goals and challenges ahead, so packmas [let’s do it]!”
Lahm has won seven Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokal crowns, the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup during his Bayern career.
