Too early, surely. He'll still be good enough for them at the European Championships in 2 years' time. Goes out with a bang though.
http://www.espnfc.com/germany/story...l-football-after-world-cup-glory-with-germany
Philipp Lahm has decided to retire from international football in the wake of Germany's World Cup triumph.
Lahm, 30, captained Germany to glory in Brazil -- playing every minute of every game as the Nationalmannschaft ended their 24-year wait for the trophy.
The victory against Argentina in the final was the Bayern Munich defender's 113th international cap; he made his debut against Croatia a decade ago in February 2004.
Lahm is quoted in Bild as saying: "I have already told [Germany coach] Jogi Low on Monday that I will resign from the national team. This decision is came to me during the last season."
The World Cup was the ninth trophy that Lahm had lifted in just two years, having previously claimed the Bundesliga (twice), the DFB-Pokal (twice), the UEFA Super Cup, the German Supercup, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern since August 2012.
Lahm was installed as Germany captain for the 2010 World Cup, when Michael Ballack missed out due to injury. He was originally only meant to wear the captain's armband on a temporary basis, but Ballack failed to force his way back into the national team and Lahm has led his country since.
Sunday's World Cup triumph was the crowning moment of the 30-year-old's career, and seemingly the right time for him to bring an end to his days with the national team.
"Maybe it's going to take a few days, maybe a few weeks or months or maybe it will take a few years for the real meaning of this title to sink in," Lahm told Germany's Stern magazine after returning home from Brazil on Tuesday.
"This is a gift; I can hardly sum it up in words. If ever I am named in the same breath as other great captains, then that will make me proud, but that's still a long way away."
http://www.espnfc.com/germany/story...l-football-after-world-cup-glory-with-germany
Philipp Lahm has decided to retire from international football in the wake of Germany's World Cup triumph.
Lahm, 30, captained Germany to glory in Brazil -- playing every minute of every game as the Nationalmannschaft ended their 24-year wait for the trophy.
The victory against Argentina in the final was the Bayern Munich defender's 113th international cap; he made his debut against Croatia a decade ago in February 2004.
Lahm is quoted in Bild as saying: "I have already told [Germany coach] Jogi Low on Monday that I will resign from the national team. This decision is came to me during the last season."
The World Cup was the ninth trophy that Lahm had lifted in just two years, having previously claimed the Bundesliga (twice), the DFB-Pokal (twice), the UEFA Super Cup, the German Supercup, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern since August 2012.
Lahm was installed as Germany captain for the 2010 World Cup, when Michael Ballack missed out due to injury. He was originally only meant to wear the captain's armband on a temporary basis, but Ballack failed to force his way back into the national team and Lahm has led his country since.
Sunday's World Cup triumph was the crowning moment of the 30-year-old's career, and seemingly the right time for him to bring an end to his days with the national team.
"Maybe it's going to take a few days, maybe a few weeks or months or maybe it will take a few years for the real meaning of this title to sink in," Lahm told Germany's Stern magazine after returning home from Brazil on Tuesday.
"This is a gift; I can hardly sum it up in words. If ever I am named in the same breath as other great captains, then that will make me proud, but that's still a long way away."
