Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm hints at summer retirement

Time to hang up the boots?

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has hinted that he could retire at the end of the current season. Lahm’s contract with Bayern Munich ends in June 2018 but he might end his time in football in 2017 itself.

Talking to Sport Bild, Lahm said, "Of course, retiring at the end of this season is something you can ponder. I cannot rule that out. 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," added the German.

Lahm continued, “The season still has seven months or so to go and a lot can happen in that time. 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 life."

Lahm has won every possible title with German giants and has made Bayern proud since 2005. He has won a Champions League trophy along with eight Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups and both the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2013. The 32-year-old retired from international football after captaining Germany to World Cup glory in 2014.

Talking about the future, Lahm revealed his desire to remain at Bayern Munich and help them off the pitch. "I certainly want a long-term bond to remain with this club. If somebody were to come along who could play my role better than me, or if I notice that I can no longer keep up, then I would certainly have to deal with perhaps having to call it a day sooner," emphasised the defender.

According to reports, Lahm is expected to take up the position of the club's sporting director as a successor to Matthias Sammer who left in July due to illness.

The 32-year-old defender has made 12 appearances in total this season, scoring two goals. Bayern Munich are on top of the Bundesliga table and look set to win the League title for the fifth consecutive time. He is yet to make a proper decision about his future but it’s pretty clear that he would want to end his club career on a high.

(Video courtesy: BayernCompHD YouTube channel)