German striker Miroslav Klose, the all-time World Cup top scorer, announced his retirement from international football yesterday.
The 36-year-old leaves the German national team as a World Cup winner after last month helping Joachim Loew’s side to their first global crown since 1990 when they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA world Cup 2014 final.
The Lazio frontman picked up his 16th goal, in what was his fourth World Cup, to surpass Brazilian Ronaldo as the tournament’s leading scorer.
“With the national team I achieved our greatest goal, a goal which we had together within the squad.
“In addition, I achieved personal goals and those who know me know that I am very ambitious, but I am a striker and the task of a striker is to score goals.
“Therefore the records never concerned me, but it was always about giving my best for the team.”
“I have the biggest respect for his decision and for his incredible career in the national team, which will be a tough one to better.”
Federation president Wolfgang Niersbach said Klose was “not only an exceptional player but also an absolutely exemplary man”.
“With his 71 goals for the national team and his 16 goals in the World Cup, he has established two phenomenal records that will ensure him a place of honour in the history books.”
Klose kicked off his international career against Albania on March 24, 2001, going on to enjoy a highly successful 13-year career.
