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Why International Retirement And Carlo Ancelotti Could See Philipp Lahm Play Until 40

While Philipp Lahm had always been acknowledged as a fine footballer before Pep Guardiola’s arrival, his reputation was forever enhanced after the Spaniard, just a few weeks into his new position, insisted that the German full-back was the “most intelligent” player he’d ever had the pleasure of managing.

This led Guardiola to suddenly alter Lahm’s position, transitioning him from a right back to a defensive midfielder so that his intelligence could spread across the length and breadth of the pitch. It worked, too. Because during this spell Bayern won three Bundesliga trophies on the trot, while he was also the one that lifted up the 2014 World Cup for Germany after their success in Brazil.

Despite being just 30-years-old, Philipp Lahm decided, rather appropriately, that this would be the perfect time to bring his international career to an end.

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While Joachim Low and Germany fans are probably still wondering if Lahm could have elongated their Euro 2016 beyond their semi-final defeat against France, Bayern Munich got an immediate reminder of how they’ll benefit from Lahm’s decision against Werder Bremen in their opening match of the 2016/2017 Bundesliga season.

Not only did Philipp Lahm score the fourth of Bayern’s six goals in Friday night’s match, but he also marauded up and down the wing with an energy and vigour that eschewed his age. Now, rather than going off to play again with Germany over the international break, Lahm can rest, recuperate and plan for the forthcoming season, which should make Bayern fans joyous.

It’s no secret how retiring from international football at an early age prolonged the careers of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Alan Shearer, and it’s thought that Lahm’s twilight as player could be just as fruitful because of his decision.

There’s just one problem, though. Philipp Lahm wants to retire for good in just two years time when he is at the tender age of 34. This is something that Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern’s new manager, believes is ludicrous. And he should know, because the Italian was the man responsible for keeping Paolo Maldini at the heart of AC Milan’s defence at 41, while he even won the Champions League at 39.

Speaking to Sport1, via ESPN, Ancelotti insisted that he expects the same from Lahm, too. “Maldini won the Champions League, aged 39, when he already had huge injury worries, especially with his knees,” Ancelotti explained. “Philipp Lahm doesn’t suffer any of this. He’s fit and trains very well. He’s always the first to arrive [at training] and the last to leave. I’m convinced that he can play until 39.”

While Ancelotti may be right in that assumption, Philipp Lahm’s career – whether it’s been criticising Bayern’s trophy policy in 2009 or flirting with a departure to Barcelona and Manchester United the season before – proves that he’s a man that makes his own choices and lives by them. And whenever he decides to bring an end to his glittering career, we’ll all be able to admit that it’s been a pleasure to watch it unfold.

[Images via Getty/Marc Mueller & Getty/Alexandra Beier]