Bayern Munich have confirmed that Philipp Lahm is to be inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.
The captain has made 516 appearances for the club, winning eight Bundesliga titles, six DFB Pokals and one Champions League.
The defender turned 33 in November and there was talks at the beginning of the summer that this season would be his last as a player.
Image: PA
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Prior to Bayern's game against Wolfsburg in the German Cup back in February, German magazine Bild reported that come the end of the season the full back would no longer be playing.
Image: PA
According to the report, Lahm was offered the job as Sporting Director but he's turned that down.
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The report proved to be true, meaning Lahm, who skippered Germany to the 2014 World Cup then retired immediately, will wear the red of Bayern for the final time tomorrow when the Bavarians welcome Freiburg to the Allianz Arena for the final day of the season.
And he's been rewarded for his contributions with the ultimate honour at Bayern, as he becomes the first player since Oliver Kahn in 2008 to earn a place in the club's Hall of Fame.
Bayern announced the news with a statement on their official club website, with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge paying tribute to the mainly one club man.
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He said:
"Philipp Lahm is one of the most deserving players in the recent history of FC Bayern. Both on the pitch and off it in his role as captain, he has been a truly important person for the club.
"He deserves this accolade, which puts him up there with the greats of FC Bayern. The club would like to thank Philipp Lahm for the amazing performances he has shown for FC Bayern."
What a player.
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Meanwhile tomorrow, Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed both Lahm and Xabi Alonso, who is also retiring, will be given a fitting send off at the Allianz Arena.
Speaking at a news conference today, Ancelotti said, "The last training session with Philipp and Xabi Alonso was very emotional. I'm proud to be able to have coached these players.
"They play and will be replaced shortly before the end, so that they can be celebrated.
Both Lahm and Alonso will be given vociferous ovations from the 60,000+ Bavarians who will be packed into the Allianz Arena, tomorrow afternoon to witness the end of the road for two of the all time greats.
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For the fifth successive season, Bayern will also celebrate a Bundesliga title victory, following the final whistle, the club's first under Carlo Ancelotti.
So with a combined 12 league titles, three Champions Leagues, eight domestic cups, two World Cups and two European Championships and 227 international caps between them, it'll be interesting to see who tries to fill the boots of Lahm and Alonso over the next decade. If anyone can even come close, that is.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Bayern Munich
