Miroslav Klose has officially called time on his illustrious playing career and will now embark on a coaching career that will see him initially work closely with the German Football Association (DFB) and under the guidance of national team boss Joachim Low.
Klose, who is Germany's all-time record goalscorer with 71 senior international goals after beating Gerd Muller's long-standing mark in 2014, hasn't actually had a club since leaving Lazio at the end of last season.
Welcome back, Miro! Miroslav #Klose returns to #DieMannschaft to begin his coaching career with a #DFB trainee programme. More to follow... pic.twitter.com/CM7IAT6dQa
He is also the top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals to his name, a record previously held by Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, and is one of only three players to have scored in four different World Cup tournaments during his career - the other two being Pele and Uwe Seeler.
As well as finishing his international career with World Cup glory in 2014, Klose won two domestic doubles with Bayern Munich at club level and was a Champions League finalist in 2010. He won a further Coppa Italia with Lazio after moving to Italy and becoming a fan favourite.
"In the national team I celebrated my greatest successes. This time was beautiful and will never be forgotten, so will enjoy returning to (work with) the DFB,"the 38-year-old said.
"The idea has grown on me to want to stay in the setup, but take a new perspective, namely that of a trainer to read a game, and for me to meticulously prepare and develop strategies and tactics.
Klose also offered his gratitude to Low and national team sporting director Hansi Flick for allowing him the opportunity to begin his coaching career.
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