Kahn: I'll Play in World Cup

Oliver Kahn has moved to quell speculation over his future by insisting that he wants to be part of Germany's World Cup squad despite being told he is no longer first-choice goalkeeper.

Kahn hinted he might retire from international football last week after Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann announced that Arsenal's Jens Lehmann would be his No.1 keeper at the June 9-July 9 finals.

Despite Kahn's bitter disappointment at losing his place in the starting line-up after 86 appearances for Germany, he said he wants to be part of the host nation's challenge this summer, even if it is just as a squad member.

"It's important for the team that I'm present during the World Cup," the 36-year-old Bayern Munich star told a press conference. "It's not an easy situation. Of course, I was disappointed not to be chosen as first choice after working so hard. But it's more important that I give my support to the whole team so that we can achieve our objective -- to be world champions."

Kahn's pledge of loyalty to the German squad was immediately welcomed by Klinsmann.

"My compliments to Oliver," Klinsmann said. "His experience and desire to put himself at the service of the team and to do everything he can to help us in the World Cup is very important."

Rising above rivalry

Germany's general manager Oliver Bierhoff echoed Klinsmann's sentiments. "Oliver Kahn has shown once again that he is a great sportsman," Bierhoff said. "We hope now that we can continue our preparations for the World Cup with some peace and quiet without constantly having to deal with this question of who is going to be in goal," he added.

Klinsmann took the unusual step of announcing his support for Lehmann on Friday, ending a long-running guessing game over who would keep goal for Germany at the World Cup.

"Jürgen Klinsmann has taken his decision, I've accepted it, I've thought about it and I've decided to do what's best for the team," said Kahn, adding that he has "no conflict" with his rival Lehmann. "We've got to rise above talk of a rivalry between Kahn and Lehmann. We need to be positive so we can achieve our goal," said Kahn, revealing he had received several messages of support from his international team-mates.

"Other members of the team and players from different clubs called me after the announcement and told me 'you have to be there, it's important for the team'," Kahn said.