Philipp Lahm has ruled out the prospect of playing for Germany again after retiring following the World Cup victory in Brazil.
The Bayern Munich captain inspired Germany to World Cup glory this summer, but announced his retirement from international duty almost instantly after the competition.
And, Lahm, who is now ruled out of action until March with a fractured ankle, is adamant that leaving the German camp was the right decision.
“I have to disappoint Football Germany unfortunately,” he told Bild. “The national team’s finished for me. I will carry the DFB jersey in future only as a fan when watching.
“I had 10 great years in the national team, I was allowed to be captain, I became a world champion and I had a great end to it all. I’m not going to suddenly jump up in one and a half years time for the European Championship.
“I made up my mind almost exactly one year ago and I’ll stand by it. This was my last World Cup tournament – and my most intense, too. For me, the decision was the right one. And the national team will be fine without me.”