World Cup winning captain retires from international soccer

Germany's World Cup winning captain Philipp Lahm is to retire from the national team, it was confirmed Friday.

The 30-year-old Bayern Munich defender, with 113 international caps, led his country to a fourth World Cup title in Brazil but has decided to step back from the team, according to his agent who confirmed a report in Germany's Bild newspaper.

Lahm and his team-mates returned to a hero's welcome in Berlin on Tuesday after Mario Goetze's extra-time goal earned a 1-0 win over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final.

Winning the World Cup is the pinnacle of Lahm's career to date, which also includes a Champions League title, six Bundesliga titles and six German Cups.

Source : Sapa-dpa /od