Miroslav Klose announced his retirement from international football after helping Germany win the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil in July.

Klose, who played a total of 137 matches for Germany over the past 13 years, announced his decision in a statement posted on the official website of Germany's football association.

"With the title in Brazil, a childhood dream came true," Klose said. "I am proud and happy that I was able to help shape this great success for German football."

The 36-year-old forward will go down as one of the best players in World Cup history as he holds the record for the most number of goals in the most prestigious soccer tournament. Klose edged former record-holder Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring two goals in the Brazil tournament.

Talking about their success in the recent World Cup, Klose gave a lot of credit to coach Joachim Loew, who, in turn, uttered praises for his star forward, whom he called one of the greatest strikers of all time.

Meanwhile, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could be named as the new team captain following the retirement of Klose and former captain Philipp Lahm, who also called it quits after winning the World Cup.

While he knows that midfielders are more suitable for captaincy because of having easier access to the officials, Neuer said that he is ready to take the role because he believes he has earned the trust of his teammates over the past several years.

"Of course, I think I am capable of captaincy," Neuer said via ESPN. "But there would have to be talks with the coach and a few players about that to find the right solution. I'd say that, yes. I notice it when I talk to those responsible, when they want to hear my opinion or when talk about football. I believe that I have my say in the team and that I have gained acceptance and standing in the past few years."

Neuer won the Golden Glove award in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was recently named as Germany's player of the year. The 28-year-old goalkeeper is also being considered for the 2014 Ballon d'Or award.

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