Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Philipp Lahm can emulate Paolo Maldini and play until he is 39.
Maldini, cited by Lahm as his footballing role model, won the Champions League as a 39-year-old under Ancelotti at AC Milan.
Lahm has plans to retire in 2018 when he will be 34 -- but Ancelotti believes he is capable of playing on for much longer.
"Maldini won the Champions League, aged 39, when he already had huge injury worries, especially with his knees," the Italian coach told Sport1.
"Philipp Lahm doesn't suffer any of this. He's fit and trains very well. He's always the first to arrive [at training] and the last to leave. I'm convinced that he can play until he's 39."
Lahm retired from international football in 2014, having captained Germany to the World Cup in Brazil.