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

"I informed the Germany coach Joachim Löw of this decision on Monday at breakfast.

"I am happy and thankful that the end of my national team career coincided with winning the World Cup in Brazil. I have been on holiday for the past three days and have had the quiet and time to mentally come to terms with the end of my national team career. A heartfelt thank you for a wonderful time."

Joachim Low, Germany coach said: "Philipp is a model professional who subordinates everything to success. Winning the world title has crowned an outstanding career. He is a great player with heart, passion and character, who has done much for the DFB.

Philip will remain a key pillar for FC Bayern. Sporting-wise and personally I wish him all the best. Thank you, Philipp."

Angela Merkel, German chancellor said: "I'd like to express my respect for what he achieved with the national team."

Through the Bayern Munich website, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "There is hardly a better farewell than to be a world champion at the peak of your career. But for the national team, it will not be easy to replace Lahm as a player, captain and a man."

The captain has also won the German Cup and the Bundesliga Cup five times with Bayern. He also won the Champions League with the German football club.

Wolfgang Niersbach, German Football Association President said: "Philipp has called me this morning and informed me about this decision. In the conversation I very quickly realised that it was futile to want to talk him out of it.

"He was in his 10 years playing for the national team not only an outstanding player, but always an absolute role model. I thanked him for everything he has done for the DFB."

With reports from: theguardian.com