The Lazio attacker played a key role in Germany's successful World Cup campaign — scoring twice in five appearances — and he has now decided to say farewell to the national team as he feels he has reached the pinnacle of his career.
"Winning the World Cup was a dream come true. I've had a great time with the national team and enjoyed some amazing moments. There's no better way for me to end my time with the German team than by winning the World Cup," Klose said. "The team's success always came first for me. We have reached the objective that we set."
Klose ends his time with Germany not only as the all-time World Cup top scorer with 16 goals, but also as Germany's all-time leading scorer with 71 strikes.
"I am a striker and my job is to score goals," Klose said. "It was never about records for me, but always about helping the team. I have to rely on my teammates in order to be successful, so I would like to thank all my teammates."
Klose made his Germany debut in March 2001 in the 2-1 home win over Albania, in which he came off the bench in the 73rd minute and netted the winner.
The prolific attacker would go on to accumulate 137 caps, with only Lothar Matthaus representing Germany more often (150 caps).
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