German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is reportedly the favourite to become the captain of the World Cup winners after Philipp Lahm's surprise decision to retire from his international career.
Schweinsteiger became a symbol of Germany's charge towards a fourth World Cup trophy, as he battled on through the final victory over Argentina despite having been hit by an elbow in the face that left blood pouring from a cut.
Schweinsteiger tweeted a tribute to his Bayern Munich teammate after Lahm's announcement that he would his friend miss him on the team and that he had a great time, The Dawn reported.
Lahm is quitting international football at the age of 30 having played 113 times for his country.
Schweinsteiger, who would be 30 on August 1, has played 108 matches and has struggled with injuries over the past two years. The midfielder was already officially Lahm's deputy and his leadership qualities have been widely praised.
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Lothar Matthaus, who was Germany's captain when they won the 1990 World Cup, said that one does not to think for very long.
Matthaus, who appeared a record 150 times for his country, said that he is going on the principle that Schweinsteiger would take over the captain's arm band as he is already vice-captain.
German coach Joachim Loew has not said when he would name a new captain and is under no pressure as the European Championship qualifying does not start until September.
Another German legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who is the current chief executive at Bayern, said that it would not be easy to replace Lahm as a player, person and captain.
Loew said that Lahm is a world-class player and is a model professional who sacrifices everything for team success.
