Philipp Lahm has made over 400 appearances for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm says he will retire from football in 2018.

The defender ended his international career last summer after lifting the World Cup as captain of Germany.

He has played over 400 games for Bayern, winning seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League once, but says he is not going to play beyond the age of 34.

"Once again, it is most clear to me that I am going to finish [my career] in 2018," Lahm told Sport Bild magazine.

"It's good for me to be able to prepare for a definite date.

"With the national team I prepared myself for my farewell, that is why I am still 100 per cent behind the decision and have never regretted it."

After "a few months off", Lahm expects to return to Bayern "in some capacity", although he says he cannot see himself moving into coaching.

Bayern have started the Bundesliga season with three wins from three matches and face FC Augsburg this weekend.