Kahn happy to go after 'hardest time'

Oliver Kahn claims there could be no better moment to retire from international football than after going through “the hardest period” of his career.

Less than two months before the World Cup in his own country, the long-time Germany number one lost his starting job to Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

He could only sit and watch as Jurgen Klinsmann’s team ignited a national wave of euphoria which carried them all the way to the semi-finals, where Italy clinched a 2-0 victory deep into extra-time.

Last night’s third-place play-off versus Portugal spelled payback time for Kahn.

Klinsmann has always hailed the former captain’s professionalism and even handed him the captain’s armband as he regained his place in Stuttgart.

Kahn immediately announced his international retirement following a glorious performance in the 3-1 victory.

“You cannot finish any better,” he said afterwards.

“It was a wonderful match. This was great. Emotionally this was probably the most special match, topped only by the World Cup Final in 2002. But this was almost a tick better, with the crowd and the euphoria.”

The former world goalkeeper of the year said the decision to call it quits came easily.

“During the last days, it was clear that this would be my last match,” he said.

“You have to be realistic. I am still pretty young but I would be 40 at the next World Cup.

“Dino Zoff became world champion at 40. But that was a different time, some 20 or 25 years ago.

"Football has changed.”

Arguably, there is not much left for the man who conceded just one goal during the 2002 World Cup finals before committing a crucial mistake in the 2-0 defeat against Brazil.

“I have been there and done that,” he said.

“I have played in world championships, European Championships and I have almost 90 caps. I can be fully satisfied and totally happy to end the national team chapter.

“I can now fully concentrate on my goals with Bayern Munich during the last two years of my contract.”

The star goalkeeper, warmly greeted by Stuttgart’s sell-out crowd, admitted the past six weeks have been the toughest of his career.

“It was a very, very hard time – without a doubt the hardest time of my career,” he insisted.

“It was not easy for me not only to sit on the bench but also remain in positive spirits. It was a great learning experience. But maybe in life you sometimes get rewarded, and that is why I am very grateful for the final match.”

Kahn won back many hearts when he publicly encouraged Lehmann just moments before the crucial quarter-final shoot-out versus Argentina.

“I think the whole tournament brought so many emotions and experiences for Jens and myself,” Kahn said.

“It was Jens’ first big tournament, and it was also special for me. It is normal that you get closer together. It would have been very sad if you went home and things were still as they were before.”

Kahn even backed Lehmann to continue his international career.

“He is in a good shape, which he showed during the World Cup, so he should continue, no question.”