German midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger is favored to become the World Cup winner's new captain after the surprise international retirement of Philipp Lahm.

Schweinsteiger became a symbol of Germany's charge to a fourth trophy, battling on through the final victory over Argentina despite taking an elbow in the face that left blood pouring from a cut.

"Will miss you on the team, my friend! Had a great time! Thank you, Philipp," said a Twitter tribute from Schweinsteiger to his Bayern Munich teammate after Lahm's announcement.

Lahm is quitting international soccer at the age of 30 having played 113 times for his country.

Age is not on Schweinsteiger's side. He will be 30 on Aug 1, has played 108 matches and has struggled with injuries over the past two years. But he was already officially Lahm's deputy and his leadership qualities have been widely praised.

"You don't need to think for very long," said Lothar Matthaus, Germany's captain when it won the 1990 World Cup, who appeared a record 150 times for his country.

"I am going on the principle that Bastian Schweinsteiger will take over the captain's armband. He is already vice-captain," Matthaus told Sky Sport television.

German coach Joachim Loew has not said when he will name a new captain.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 07/20/2014 page11)