After 14-years and 18 major honours to his name, Philipp Lahm has opened up toGlobo Esporteabout his career so far, how long he expects to have left in the game, andhis plans for life after retirement.
Presumably using his time off during the winter break to think about his future, Lahm said:"I try to think critically about my level of performance. I'm still 33-years-old, playing for Bayern Munich and as captain of the team. You have to wonder every week if you arefit enough to play at a high level.
"I try to find an honest answer, and when I feel my time has come I will discuss it openly with those in charge of the club."
Lahm currently has a few years left on his contract, which expires in 2018, giving him some time to consider whether or not to continue his illustrious playing career any further.
When asked about the prospect of remaining within the sport to pass his knowledge on through a coaching role, Lahm responded: "I definitely do not want to be a coach, but of course, football is my biggest experience.
"So I think about how I can use my knowledge for potential work in the future. I have participation in several companies."
When asked to recall his greatest moment, the German said:"Winning the Champions League for my club was incredible, but finishing my career in the German national team after ten years by winning the World Cup is difficult even to find words for.
"Reflecting on my career, the only one thing that could've made it any better would've been If we had won the Champions League twice during the years that Bayern dominated Europe." Bayern were involved in three finals between the years of 2010-2013 but only won one of them.
"The hope was to win the famous final at home (in 2012, against Chelsea). It was a dream that did not come true. But this bitter defeat was a very important experience."