Klose: I want to play until 2016

Posted Thursday, October 10, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Germany veteran Miroslav Klose says he intends to play until 2016, but will reassess his position after the 2014 World Cup.

The Lazio striker is Germany's joint-leading goalscorer of all time alongside Gerd Muller, with 68 international goals to his name, but has no interest in hanging up his boots for club or country just yet.

"I feel great at the moment, and I want to play for a few more years still," the 35-year-old told Corriere dello Sport. "However, this is a decision that I will judge month by month and not rush over. Let's see how this season goes. My contract runs until June next year, then there is the World Cup, then I will make a decision.

"My desire is to win the World Cup, which will be my last major tournament for Germany. I have come close to winning before but have fallen just short. There would be nothing more beautiful than lifting the trophy next summer."

In terms of the national side, Klose admits that the current crop of players is far better than when he first got into the side, and feels die Mannschaft have a great chance of winning a fourth World Cup next year.

"When you look at the quality of the team when I began compared to now it's fair to say we have taken a giant step forward," he continued. "The way they are organized, they way they train and their natural ability are all superior compared to 10 years ago.

"This current group of players are so young, like Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Thomas Muller, and they give a freshness to the squad. They will win major tournaments in years to come."

Since making his Germany debut in 2001, the former Bayern Munich striker has scored 68 goals in 130 appearances for his country, and he admits his achievements still haven't completely sunk in yet.

"I would never have imagined I would achieve this. It was unthinkable when I was younger. I would like to thank all of my teammates over the years for helping me get to where I am."