Jurgen Klinsmann has announced that he will retire from football after this year's World Cup in France.

The 33-year-old Germany skipper, who claimed the first goal of his second spell with Tottenham in yesterday's 1-0 win over West Ham, revealed he would not be playing for either club or country following France 98 which ends on July 12.

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"I will not be playing in the 2000 European championships. I will be retiring from football after the World Cup, he said in an interview with a German radio station.

Klinsmann has enjoyed a glittering career. The highlights include winning the World Cup in Italy in 1990, the European championship in England in 1996 and the 1996 UEFA Cup with Bayern Munich.

When he re-signed for Spurs just before Christmas 1997, the striker said he had come to White Hart Lane until the end of the season but might consider a contract extension.

The loss to football of a truly great player will be huge. But it could be felt accutely in north London where his inspiration has been instrumental in the success of Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs fans will hope he leaves football with their club still in the Premiership.
 

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