Unless he changes his mind, Bayern Munich defender and team captain Philipp Lahm won't be playing competitive football past the end of this season.
The German made a shocking announcement on Tuesday, claiming that this campaign will be his last as a player, leaving Bayern officials quite surprised.
Chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said that the announcement was unexpected, but noted that the club's doors will always be open to the 33-year-old, who played his 500th match for the Bundesliga champions on the weekend.
"Bayern Munich are surprised by the actions of Philipp Lahm and his advisor," Rummenigge revealed, viaBBC.
"Until yesterday we were expecting to issue a joint statement from Philipp Lahm and Bayern Munich. Uli Hoeness and myself had honest, intensive talks in the past months with Philipp about a potential involvement in the management of our club."
OFFICIAL: Philipp Lahm has now confirmed he will retire from football at the end of the 2016/17 season. pic.twitter.com/ZAhyTozOsR
Lahm took to Twitter on Wednesday to explain his decision to retire, citing the expectancy of less than quality performances as his main reason.
"Just as with my retirement from the national team, I trust my inner senses," he wrote."As a captain, it's very important for me to deliver a top quality performance, and I realize that I won't be able to do so beyond this season."
Thank you very much for all your messages. A day later, I'd like to explain my decision to you in detail: pic.twitter.com/Xz213rxM73
Lahm has been one of the best defenders to ever hail from Germany, and is hoping to win an eighth Bundesliga title, having lifted the trophy on seven occasions.
He has also won the Champions League with the club, and on international level, has been capped 113 times, winning a World Cup medal in the process.