Lahm: 'I could be Bayern CEO in 20 years'

Philipp Lahm has revealed he can imagine being the club's CEO in 20 years' time - while confirming that his intentions as a player are still to retire in 2018.

The 31-year-old has been on the sidelines since November with a foot problem and has not yet returned to full training at Säbener Strasse.

Having already retired from international football after helping Germany to the World Cup last summer, discussions about his future at Bayern Munich have already taken place. The defender expects to hang up his boots completely at the end of the 2017-18 season, but what might happen next is less certain.

Lahm has not been sold to the idea of a coaching career post-playing days and has even admitted an interest in returning to the club in a business capacity.

"I can really imagine myself staying at Bayern after 2018 but not as a coach, I can't imagine that at the moment," the defender told German broadcaster "Sport1," while adding that he hopes to collect business experience in his entrepreneurial role for a sports retail company based in Bavaria.

"If that experience works at Bayern, then we'll see," Lahm said when asked if that meant he could see himself as CEO in two decades' time. "This is still a long way away. It's clear that players like Thomas Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and I are rooted here in Munich. We are also very happy here."

Lahm has been described by Pep Guardiola as "the most intelligent player he has ever worked with", and the defender has shown the flexibility to play in various positions for the German champions.

This week, speculation from the English media has linked Guardiola with a move to Manchester City, while contrasting reports in Spain tip a return to Barcelona at the end of his contract at the Allianz Arena.

But the 44-year-old recently dismissed suggestions that he could leave the club this summer - one full year before his current deal expires in 2016.

"I would like to see it extended," the Lahm said of his coach, to "Sport1."

"I have a contract until 2018, so because of me he could extend that. He has one until 2016, so one more year and then we'll see what he does."