International

Miroslav Klose, the top scorer in World Cup history, is ending his playing career and will join Joachim Löw’s coaching staff as he studies for his pro licence, the German football association (DFB) have confirmed.

The 38-year-old retired from international football after winning the World Cup with Germany in 2014, scoring twice to bring his total goal tally from four tournaments to 16. He is also Germany’s record scorer with 71 goals.

Klose’s contract with Lazio expired after last season. The DFB says that, in consultation with Löw and the technical director, Hansi Flick, Klose will now undergo an individual training program “with the clear aim of embarking on a coaching career”.