Lahm happy to quit at top

Germany’s World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm has retired from international football, a decision he says was made before the tournament in Brazil had even begun.

The 30-year-old announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect yesterday, but he knew before flying out to South America in June that it was going to be his last tournament for Germany whatever the outcome might have been.

“Over the course of last season, I made up my mind that I was going to end my international career after the World Cup,” Lahm said.

“I’m grateful and thankful that the end of my career coincides with winning the World Cup in Brazil with the national team.”

Germany coach Joachim Low said: “He can be proud of his career. He is a fantastic player with a big heart, lots of passion and character.”