Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm has admitted he has given some consideration to ending his career before his contract runs out.
The 32-year-old retired from international football immediately after captaining Germany to World Cup glory in 2014.
He has previously suggested his current contract, which expires in 2018, will be his last, but has now told Germany's Bild newspaper he may even call it a day before then.
"My current contract runs up to the summer of 2018 and of course I am not getting any younger, but rather older, and you've always got to ask yourself questions as a professional sportsman," he said.
"If somebody were to come along who could play my role better than me, or if I notice that I can no longer keep up, then I would certainly have to deal with perhaps having to call it a day sooner."
When Lahm does pin his boots to the wall, he intends to remain part of the Bayern Munich family in some capacity.
"I certainly want a long-term bond to remain with this club," he added.
Lahm has played for Bayern since 2005, after a two-year loan spell with Stuttgart. He joined the Bavarian club in 1995 and has played almost 300 Bundesliga fixtures for the record German champions.
