Bayern Munich have released a statement outlining their "surprise" at Philipp Lahm's decision to announce his impending retirement last night.
The club captain confirmed that he will retire from the game at the end of this season at the age of just 33.
He had been in talks with the Bavarian giants about making a joint announcement but confirmed his news last night.
In a statement on the Bayern official website, the club reacted to the 2014 World Cup winner's announcement.
The Bayern chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge said: "FC Bayern München is surprised by the approach of Philipp Lahm and his adviser. Uli Hoeneß and I have held open, intensive and constructive talks with Philipp in recent months about a possible position as sporting director of our club. At the end of last week, he informed us that he is currently not available for such a position and that he would like an early termination of his player contract, which runs until June 2018, at the end of the current season.
"Until yesterday we assumed that there would be a joint announcement on this decision by Philipp Lahm and FC Bayern München.
"Philipp Lahm has been an important player for FC Bayern München for over a decade. We are convinced that our captain will now concentrate fully with the team on the tough upcoming tasks in the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup. We would like to make clear that the door will always remain open for Philipp at FC Bayern München."
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