Top footballers who retired in 2017

#3 Phillip Lahm

The defender who never received a red card

Lahm was one of the most impactful fullbacks to ever play the game. Pep Guardiola called Phillip Lahm as the most intelligent player that he has ever worked with. Can a player get a bigger compliment than this? Lahm was an accomplished right back who won every team honour that was humanly possible and also guided his country to a famous World Cup win.

Just as Lahm knew when to join the attack and when to sit back, the German legend knew when his body was asking for him to stop. Lahm was still playing at a high level and could have continued for at least 2-3 years. But the 33-year-old took a surprising decision and caused great sadness in the hearts of many.

During his retirement speech, Lahm said, "My leadership style is in the way I give my best every day, in every training session and every match. I believe I can do this until the end of the season but not beyond then. It is clear to me I will stop." What a man, what a player!