Philipp Lahm hints at retiring from professional football in 2018

Phillip Lahm has said that he might retire in 2018

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has provided hints that he will retire from professional football when his club contract expires in June 2018.

The 31-year-old retired from international football last year after guiding Germany to their first World Cup triumph in 24 years and has now said that when he does leave the game altogether, he wants to finish on a high.

“I can play at the highest level for another three years, but I don't want to squeeze out everything until the end. I want to step down with a nice feeling. I have a contract until 2018, and I'll be 34 by then. Usually that's the end. But don't nail me down to it,” he told Munchener Merker.

Depends on what Guardiola wants: Lahm

When asked about current manager Pep Guardiola, whose contract with the club expires next year, the defender said while the Spaniard can certainly extend his stay at the Allianz Arena, it all boils down to what he wants personally at the end of the day.

"Prolong, for sure. Prolong. Right now, it's not about what the club or the players want, but about what he wants.”

“A coaching job can be very intense, and at FC Bayern certainly even more than elsewhere. It costs a lot of energy especially if you work as meticulous as our coach. You need to allow him time to think about it,” Lahm said.

Bayern Munich will next take on Borussia Dortmund at Signal-Iduna-Park on Saturday.