It all started in 1995. Philipp Lahm, then an eleven-year-old lad, took the plunge and made the move from his hometown club FT Gern to the mighty FC Bayern Munich. He has spent 17 of the past 19 years at Säbener Strasse - and there are four more to come. “It's definitely my last contract. I aim to end my career at FC Bayern. That's what I always wanted,” said the FCB skipper after signing a contract extension to 2018.
“I am 100 percent committed to the club, its values, approach and its philosophy,” added the 30-year-old, “I more or less grew up at this club.” Champions League winner, World Club champion, German league, cup and Super Cup winner – Lahm has won everything there is to win at club level with FC Bayern. However, he is still keen to carry on collecting honours.
He aims to “keep on improving and to win the Champions League again. I'm really looking forward to the next few years where we can play attractive and attacking football with Pep Guardiola.” But the World Cup comes first. Germany came up short at home in 2006 and in South Africa in 2010. It could be third time lucky in Brazil as Lahm seeks to crown his international career.
'I've got a good feeling'
“Obviously, I'm well aware it could be my last World Cup. So I'll put in 100 percent and be even more focused,” promised the man with 106 international caps for Germany. “I think it's brilliant I'll be playing my third World Cup on a third continent.” Lahm was only six when Germany last won the World Cup in 1990.
“I've watched it a hundred times,” he admitted. “The way Lothar Matthäus held the trophy was something special.” Lahm is determined to emulate that moment in Rio on 13 July. And it would be foolish towrite off Germany's chances in Brazil. “The team has improved in terms of football and tactics,” said Lahm with conviction, “I've got a good feeling.”
