体坛英语新闻：Germany striker Mirsolav Klose retires from national team

BERLIN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- German veteran Miroslav Klose retires from the national team, the 36-year-old world champion announced on Monday.

After lifting the World Cup in Brazil Mirsolav Klose is the second German player, after Philipp Lahm, who announced his retirement from the national team. The 36-year-old striker closed the chapter after 13 years of "Nationalmannschaft" .

"With the triumph in Brazil a childhood dream came true for me. I am proud and delighted that I was able to shape this great success for the German soccer. I had a unique and wonderful time with many memorable moments with the national team. For me there is no better time to close the chapter of the national team," Klose told the German Soccer Association (DFB) in an official statement.

Miroslav Klose made his international debut in March 2001 against Albania to become Germany's record goal scorer with 71 goals in 137 international caps. He is besides that the overall top scorer of the FIFA World Cup with 16 goals.

DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach added: "Miroslav is not only an outstanding player but also an absolute example. In all the years he always remained humble and down to earth. With his 71 international goals and his 16 World Cup goals he has established two phenomenal records that will secure him a place in the history books" .

Germany head coach Joachim Loew stated: "Miroslav Klose is an international star, he is one of the greatest strikers. His qualities such as his aerial power, goal presence, understanding of the game and his tireless commitment are second to none worldwide. And yet, I have so far barely seen a player who is so local, modest, fair, professional, reliable and a team player" .

Klose played eleven years in the Bundesliga. He played for Kaiserslautern, Bremen and Bayern Munich before he joined Italian side Lazio 2011 by putting pen to paper on a three-year deal. He scored overall 207 goals in 527 appearances.