World Cup all-time top scorer Miroslav Klose retires

Updated 01/11/2016 at 12:37 GMT

Miroslav Klose has retired from football, ending an illustrious 18-year career.

Miroslav Klose holds the World Cup trophy

Image credit: Reuters

Klose’s 16 World Cup goals for Germany make him the top goalscorer in the history of the tournament, one ahead of Brazil’s Ronaldo.

The centre-forward is also his country’s all-time record scorer with 71 goals, and is behind only Lothar Matthaus with his tally of 137 Die Mannschaft caps (Matthaus has 150).

Miroslav Klose

Image credit: Eurosport

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"I celebrated my greatest successes with the national team," Klose said. "This time was beautiful and will never be forgotten."

The 38-year-old, who was released by Lazio in the summer, will join Joachim Low’s backroom staff with the Germany national team while working towards his individual training badges.

"I am very grateful to Jogi Low and Hansi Flick (sporting director) for the opportunity," Klose said in a statement released on the German Football Association’s website.