Bayern Munich Defender Refuses To Rule Out Retirement
Bayern Munich captain Philip Lahm refuses to rule out retirement plans from club football at the end of the season.
The Bayern Munich defender turns 33 this weekend. The rightback hung up his boots for Germany after winning the World Cup in 2014.
Lahm has been used cautiously this season by the new manager Carlo Ancelloti. The German has been rotated frequently in order to keep him fresh for crucial games. Lahm believes that there is a long time to go in the season which may change his decision.
"“Of course, retiring at the end of the season is something you can ponder. I cannot rule that out.”“I already said nine months ago that I could retire in 2017 and this has not changed.The season still has seven months or so to go and a lot can happen in that time.”"
Lahm has enjoyed a lot of success with his boyhood club. He has won seven Bundesliga titles and one Champions League with Bayern. The rightback showed his versatile nature when he played in midfield for club and country in last couple of seasons. He remains an influential member in the dressing room.
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In an interview with Sportbild, Lahm admitted that his fitness will decide his plan after this season. Bayern will be hoping that he continues for them after this season. He still remains a consistent performer for the German Champions.
"“My future does not depend on how many titles we win, it depends on how my body feels, and then I will make a decision on my future.”“I want to be able to keep acting at the highest level and recognise when the time has come to retire. But I still have a contract until 2018, so I am in no rush to make a decision.”"
Bayern remain unbeaten in Bundesliga. They are on the top of the table courtesy of a better goal difference. Lahm will be aiming for a fifth successive Bundesliga title for Bayern. The defender will be recharging his batteries in the international break as they gear up to face Borussia Dortmund after the break.