Miroslav Klose announces retirement from international football

Thirteen years after he made his debut with Germany in a World Cup qualifier against Albania, Miroslav Klose is hanging up his cleats and putting an end to one of the most impressive international careers in football history.

The 36-year-old striker, who lifted the World Cup this summer and scored two goals to surpass Ronaldo as the tournament's top all-time scorer, announced his decision in a statement on Monday afternoon.

Per DFB.de:

Lifting the trophy in Brazil was the fulfilment of a childhood dream for me. I’m proud and happy to have been able to contribute to such a great achievement for German football. I had a unique and wonderful time with the national team and enjoyed many unforgettable moments. I’ve used the past few weeks to let all those moments sink in once more and to savour them. I cannot think of a better time to bring the international chapter of my career to a close.

The team’s success is and has always been my highest priority. I and the rest of the national side achieved our greatest aim – an aim we shared as a team – but I’ve also reached other targets I set myself along the way. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m very ambitious. I’m a striker, and a striker’s job is to score goals. I was always focused on giving my best for the team rather than setting records. As a striker, I’m also extremely dependent upon my teammates, which is why I want to give a huge thank you to my colleagues on the national team; without whose passes, I would never have been this successful. I’d also like to thank the DFB, its president, every single member of the national side’s support staff, all our fans and of course the three national team coaches I’ve been able to work with over the past 13 years – particularly Joachim Löw, who has always had total belief in me. I felt this complete mutual respect and appreciation once more during our discussions over the past few days. It’s fantastic that we were able to end our collaboration by winning the [World Cup] title.

Klose's international resumé is nothing short of remarkable. Here's a brief overview of his individual achievements.

• 137 international appearances (ranks 2nd in German history)
• 71 international goals (ranks 1st in German history)
• FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer (16 goals)
• FIFA World Cup winner (2014)
• FIFA World Cup runner-up (2002)
• UEFA European Championship runner-up (2008)
• adidas Golden Shoe (five goals at 2006 World Cup)
• adidas Silver Shoe (five goals at 2002 World Cup)
• Only player to have won 17 World Cup matches
• Only player to have appeared in four World Cup semifinals
• Only player to have scored at least four goals in three World Cups
• Scored in 11 separate World Cup matches (record shared with Ronaldo)

Of course, while Klose was a goal-scoring machine for Germany, the one thing he never accomplished was a World Cup goal from outside the box.

Perhaps what will be missed more than anything, however, are Klose's iconic back-flip celebrations, even if they aren't what they used to be.

Thanks for everything, Miroslav.