Miroslav Klose (36), expert striker for the German ‘Nationalmannschaft’ calls the curtain on his international career.

Veteran striker’s career comes to a Klose

The news comes a fortnight after another star player for the German side, Philip Lahm announced his retirement, and a month after Klose scored his sixteenth world cup goal, in the 7-1 battering of the Brazilian side, to edge out Brazilian icon Ronaldo and claim the world record for ‘Highest number of world cup goals’, in an extremely ironic twist of events.

Recovering from injury and playing off the bench for the first half of the tournament, Klose proved Germany’s lucky charm in their world cup journey – though luck had little to do with it, and skill, everything. Having played in two semi-finals (2006, 2010) and one final (2002) in previous world cup appearances, it was only fitting that he finish with a flourish and lift the cup.

“With the title in Brazil, a childhood dream came true for me. I am proud and happy that I was able to shape this great success for German football. I had a unique and wonderful time and many memorable moments with the national team. I have remembered and enjoyed those moments over the recent weeks. For me there can be no better time to decide to end the National Chapter”, the Deutscher Fussball- Bund quoted Klose as having said.

The former Bayern Munich striker also holds the world record for the highest number of international goals- 71.

Coach Joachim Low, DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach, DFB General Secretary Helmut Sandrock, National team manager Oliver Bierhoff among countless others, bid the veteran German star a nostalgic goodbye.

Known for his modesty, fair play, team spirit and down-to-earth nature, Klose has won hearts world over. News of his retirement from the national team- while not unexpected- is a bittersweet occasion for fans. While it is heartening to see their football hero go out on a high, it is disappointing to learn that they will not be seeing him on the field henceforth. After all, how many of us watch S.S. Lazio matches?

Klose debuted internationally in March 2001 in a world cup qualifier against Albania, scoring the winning goal with a header. The following celebratory front-flip marked the beginning of a spectacular career. His trademark flip, out-classed by none, will canonize him in the footballing world, if his dynamism on the field, aerial ability, goals and world records have not already done so.

It is 2014 and Germany have never lost a match in which Klose has played.  13 years , more than 137 international appearances,two world cup bronzes, one world cup silver, one world cup gold, multiple personal records and countless flips later, with beloved fans, family and teammates cheering him on, the legend bows into the annals of history. Auf wiedersehen Miro!

Tags: Bayern Munich, Football, Germany, Miroslav Klose, Striker