Bayern captain Philipp Lahm and veteran Xabi Alonso began their final week as professional footballers on Tuesday. After two days off, 33-year-old Lahm and Alonso, two years his senior, began their preparations for the final game of the season against Freiburg on Saturday with training during the afternoon alongside their teammates. Franck Ribery was also involved despite coming off against Leipzig last weekend with a knock. Mats Hummels took part in an individual session, whilst the injured Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich and Javi Martinez were missing.
Demichelis retires
Lahm and Alonso are not the only players calling time on their career this season, with former FCB defender Martin Demichelis also hanging up his boots at the end of the campaign. The 36-year-old Malaga player announced his decision at a press conference on Monday. “The time comes for all of us. I don’t have the strength left in my legs and no longer the ability to concentrate anymore.,” said Micho, who will play his final game at the weekend against Real Madrid. Demichelis joined FCB as a 22-year-old in 2003 and made 259 competitive appearances (15 goals) before leaving in 2010. He won the double with the record champions and played in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in 2010. Demichelis wants to remain in Spain with his family and complete his coaching badges.
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