Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso to retire after this season

[Sub-Zero]

http://www.espn.in/football/bayern-m...-season-report

Lahm is aiming for a record-equalling eighth Bundesliga title and earned his 500th club appearance on Saturday against Schalke.

The 33-year-old is under contract with the Bavarians until 2018 but the Munich-born defender told SportBild in November he wouldn't rule out quitting a year ahead of schedule.

Lahm captained Bayern to 2013 Champions League success in the all-German final at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund and has also won the German Cup on six occasions.

He retired from international football as Germany's World Cup-winning skipper in the aftermath of the 2014 win in Brazil.

Bayern's longest-serving player was hotly tipped to take over as the club's sporting director after his playing days came to end. The position has not been filled since previous director Matthias Sammer left the role in July because of illness.

[Muhammad10]

Brilliant player. Wonder if he will be able to maintain his red card-less record until he retires.

[Hasan123]

A class player. Genuinely feel sad about his retirement, but if he thinks it's the time than he's making the right decision.

One of footballs great full backs.

[Mamoon]

A true legend, has achieved so much at a relatively young age. One of the most consistent players to ever play the game.

Still remember the opening goal that he scored in the 2006 World Cup as a 23 year old. Not as explosive and impactful as Dani Alves, but he is very underrated offensively and is not just a top defender. His evolution into world class CM/DM just showcased his tremendous talent which often went unnoticed because of his safe style of play.

I also think he will be a world class manager in the future. Has multiple Bundesliga and Champions leagues titles written all over his face. As a manager that is. He has been earmarked as Bayern's next Sporting Director, but I think his long-term future lies in management.

[MMHS]

A class player. Genuinely feel sad about his retirement, but if he thinks it's the time than he's making the right decision.

One of footballs great full backs.

Lost hunger actually - winnings sometimes become boring. He has won almost everything for Club & Country, so he is retiring from football (& for that Messi has returned for Arges )

[Hasan123]

Lost hunger actually - winnings sometimes become boring. He has won almost everything for Club & Country, so he is retiring from football (& for that Messi has returned for Arges )

He has nothing left to achieve so it's the right decision.

[Rayyman]

Never liked him.

[Muhammad10]

Lahm and Xabi Alonso have both retired. Brilliant footballers who will be sorely missed.

[idrizzy]

Legends. Lahm more than Alonso.

[kaayal]

Had the luck of watching them play in Allianz arena twice.

Xabi was slow on reflexes but Lahm why???

[SpiritOf1903]

Legends. Lahm more than Alonso.

Wut ?. Alonso one of the most technically gifted footballers, ever. Likewise Lahm.

Both instrumental in their national team's domination.

[big_gamer007]

Both had great careers sad to see them leave..

[Hasan123]

The end of 2 legends careers.

Lahm was a brilliant fullback offensively and defensively, the fact he could play as a dm later in his career showed his intelligence.

Alonso in his position is one of the greatest of all time. The ability to control a game and distribute the ball with ease is something which I will miss seeing.

Farewell legends have a good retirement.