GERMANY’S MIROSLAV KLOSE, the World Cup’s all time top scorer with 16 goals, has announced the end of his playing career.
The 38-year-old striker netted his 16th goal in World Cup finals during the 7-1 semi-final thrashing of hosts Brazil two years ago, which saw him overtake former Selecao star Ronaldo. Germany went on to win the title.
Klose, Germany’s top scorer with 71 goals in 137 internationals, was without a club when his Lazio contract expired last season.
He now plans to join die Mannschaft’s coaching staff after an invitation from head coach Joachim Loew.
One of his 16 goals at the World Cup finals came in the 1-1 draw with Ireland in 2002: