Bayern Munich chairmanKarl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed to be "surprised" by club captain Philipp Lahm's approach to announcing his retirement at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old confirmed his decision to retire onTuesday with a year still left on his contract, and also revealed that he had rejected an offer to become a sporting director.
In astatement on the club's website,Rummenigge said that he had expected a joint announcementfrom both the club andthe long-serving right-back.
"FC Bayern München is surprised by the approach of Philipp Lahm and his adviser," the statement read."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 confirms that this season will be his last �
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"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.�