Philipp Lahm has revealed that he had already decided to retire from international football before this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The Bayern Munich defender played a key role for Germany as Joachim Low's side lifted the trophy at the Maracana thanks to a 1-0 victory over Argentina, but the 30-year-old insists that the triumph was not the reason for his surprise decision.

"I slowly but surely came to the decision in the course of last season. I knew I would retire from international football after the World Cup," Lahm told FIFA.com.

"I'm happy and grateful that the end of my career in the national team coincides with winning the World Cup in Brazil. For me personally it's simply the right time to stop.

"The team has boundless ability, the blend is good, and talented newcomers are waiting in the wings."

Lahm made 113 appearances in a 10-year international career.