LAHM LEAVES ON A HIGH
The knack of retiring at peak eluded some of the biggest stars in sports. Muhammad Ali plodded on even when his body was crying for a halt. Diego Maradona tarnished his splendid legacy with his ill- advised and drug- fuelled presence at the 1994 World Cup. Bjorn Borg, Michael Jordan and Michael Schumacher retired in their prime only to come back for another shot at glory. Germany captain Phillip Lahm who held the Fifa World Cup above his head on a glorious evening at the Maracana on July 13 has called time on his international career after returning from a victorious sojourn in Brazil. Like his tackles, the retirement timing was perfect. But his decision has shocked Germany because Lahm is only 30 years old. German legend Franz Beckenbauer has said Germany need Lahm’s wise head. Maybe the Nationalmannschaft also need the Bayern Munich player’s dancing feet. But the country’s football federation chief is convinced that Lahm’s call is final.
Talk about bowing out on a high. Lahm enjoyed a fine World Cup. He was the best defender of the tournament by a distance. A perfect tackle on Brazil’s Marcelo inside the box in the semi- final typified Lahm’s excellence. Marcelo’s bewildered expression after the ball had been swept away from his feet told a story. The passing accuracy of the defender at the World Cup would put a creative midfielder to shame.
Lionel Messi, the captain of the vanquished Argentina in the final, was chosen the best player of the tournament. It is an award the Barcelona star would never have any fondness for. The Golden Ball should have gone to Lahm, if not to his compatriot Thomas Muller. The German skipper was the embodiment of consistency. After being shifted to his natural right- back position from central midfield midway through the last 16 match against Algeria, Lahm hardly put a foot wrong in Brazil. He provided solidity in defence and thrust in attack.
No wonder Bayern coach Pep Guardiola counts him as the most intelligent player he has coached. Lahm’s adaptability and ability to put team above self make him stand out from his peers. He also does his job with a minimum fuss. Lahm isn’t a type of player who would play to the gallery. The full- back is always steady without being spectacular. Lahm should be a contender for the Ballon d’Or this year. The World Player
of the Year award isn’t the sole preserve of forwards. Cristiano Ronaldo was dire at the World Cup and Messi wasn’t himself despite reaching the final. Lahm has been a great ambassador for Bayern and Germany. The Ballon d’Or would be a worthy honour to the wonderful servant of the game. Bayern should be thrilled that the undivided attention of Lahm would be on them after his decision to end his career with Germany. The World Cup and European Championship would be poorer without him.