Miroslav Klose, Germany's all-time leading goalscorer, has announced his retirement from international football, less than a month after helping his country win the World Cup.
The 36-year-old took his tally of World Cup goals to a record 16 during the tournament in Brazil and bows out with 71 international strikes to his name.
"With the win in Brazil, a childhood dream came true; I am proud and happy that I was able to help this great success," Klose told the German Football Association's website. "I had a unique and wonderful time and many memorable moments with the national team."
Klose, who was born in Poland, made his Germany debut in 2001 and has since played in four World Cups, scoring at all of them. His goal in the incredible 7-1 semi-final win over Brazil took him past Ronaldo's 15 in the competition to make him the most prolific striker in World Cup history. With 137 caps to his name, only Lothar Matthaus has won more.
The Lazio striker, though, prefers to put the team ahead of his own achievements. "The team's success was and is always the top priority for me," he added.
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