Klose ends playing career, will train as coach with Germany

BERLIN (AP) Miroslav Klose, the top scorer in World Cup history, is ending his playing career and will train to be a coach.

The 38-year-old Klose retired from international soccer after winning the World Cup with Germany in 2014, scoring twice to bring his goal tally from four tournaments to 16. With a career total of 71 goals, Klose is also the highest-scoring player for Germany.

Klose's contract with Lazio expired after last season. The German soccer federation said Tuesday that, in consultation with coach Joachim Loew and technical director Hansi Flick, Klose will now undergo an individual training program ''with the clear aim of embarking on a coaching career.''

''I celebrated my greatest successes in the national team, this time was wonderful and unforgettable,'' Klose said. ''So I'm happy to return to the (German federation).''

Klose, who played 137 games for Germany, will now become part of the national team setup.

''We're looking forward to Miro,'' said Loew, who has just extended his contract through to the 2020 European Championship.

''I am sure that we coaches, just like the players, will benefit very much from his presence and involvement,'' Loew added. ''He will not just be with us on the training field, but also contribute his views to preparing for opponents and to game and video analysis.''