Veteran striker Miroslav Klose has refused to rule out the possibility of returning to the German national team despite retiring from national duty last year.
Klose confirmed he would be no longer available for Die Mannschaft after the World Cup triumph in Brazil last year, after becoming the record goalscorer in the history of the tournament with 16 goals over four World Cups.
But despite deciding to hang up his international boots, an interview with German newspaper Bild has revealed the striker admits he feels tempted to reverse his decision, following a season where he finished as Serie A side Lazio’s top goalscorer with 13 goals.
Impossible To Rule Out A Return
Klose told Bild that he had a conversation with Germany manager Joachim Löw "just a few weeks ago", and that whilst he explained it "is not an issue at the moment", it is impossible to rule out a return if circumstances were to change.
The now-37 year old, who made his international debut for Die Mannschaft in 2001 despite actually being born in Poland, did explain it was obvious he would never play in a World Cup again, with the veteran forward likely to have turned 40 when the 2018 World Cup in Russia arrives.
Muller A Threat
However, Klose also said that it is very likely that his record, secured in the astonishing 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the semi finals last year, is likely to be broken by his compatriot and ex-teammate Thomas Müller.
Müller has now scored ten goals in World Cup finals, having scored five in both 2010 and 2014, and his former Bayern Munich teammate explained that if the 25 year old kept fit, it is possible he could play in both Russia and the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar and could break Klose’s record himself.
The Lazio forward said "Muller already has 10 goals, he could become the record scorer in the World Cup." He added that he assumes he can "still play in two more tournaments."
Klose also commented on Muller's duty as the penalty taker, claiming he "was never allowed to do.”