GERMANY’S record goalscorer Miroslav Klose is starting a traineeship with the national team as the retired striker looks to kick off his coaching career, the German Football Association said Tuesday.

    Klose, who helped his country win the 2014 World Cup and became the all-time top scorer at the tournament with 16 goals, ended his playing career last season at Lazio.

    “He will undergoing an individual training and trainee program with the clear aim of starting a coaching career,” the FA said. The 38-year-old is Germany’s leading scorer with 71 goals in 137 matches.

    “In the past months the thought has matured in me to remain on the pitch with the perspective of the coach,” Klose said. “I would like to thank (Germany coach) Joachim Loew and (sports director) Hansi Flick for the chance to sharpen my perspective in a practical environment.”

    Klose leaves a legacy as one of the most prolific international players of all time. He netted a staggering 71 times for Germany in 137 matches. Of those goals, 16 came in FIFA World Cup matches, making Klose the top scorer in the competition’s history; he won the tournament as a veteran with Germany in 2014.

    The triumph in Brazil was the crowning moment of Klose’s stellar international career; it was his final match for the national team and his fourth World Cup. The forward also represented Germany in three UEFA European Championship competitions.

    At club level, Klose also enjoyed success. He scored frequently in three seasons at Werder Bremen before moving to Bayern Munich in 2007. While the goals didn’t flow in Bavaria, the striker was part of two Bundesliga title wins before moving to Lazio in 2011.

    Klose spent five years in Serie A, leading the line with distinction for the capital club. The German won the 2012-13 Coppa Italia with the Biancocelesti.

    (SD-Agencies))