Bayern legend Philipp Lahm plans to retire in 2018

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has confirmed he will be retiring from the game in 2018.

Lahm ended his international career after lifting the World Cup as captain of Germany last summer and he says he is not going to play beyond the age of 34.

“Once again, it is most clear to me I am going to finish [my career] in 2018,” Lahm told Sport Bild magazine.

“It’s good for me to be able to prepare for a definite date.” Lahm has played over 400 games for Bayern, winning seven Bundesliga titles - one fewer than Bastian Schweinsteiger – and the Champions League once.

He can add to that haul in the next three years, but has vowed to pin up his boots prior to the 2018 World Cup, when he will be a spectator as Germany look to defend the title.

After “a few months off”, Lahm expects to return to Bayern “in some capacity.”