MUNICH: Germany captain Philipp Lahm said Thursday he expects to extend his contract at Bayern Munich which runs out at the end of the 2012 season.

The 26-year-old, who captained Germany to third at the 2010 World Cup after Michael Ballack injured his ankle, has played for defending Bundesliga champions Bayern since 2002.

"If you feel like we are on the right path, then there is no reason to go elsewhere," said Lahm in an interview with Sport 1.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has recently stated he wants Lahm to sign a five-year extension to his contract.

The wing-back had been linked to a move to Spain, but Lahm poured cold water on the idea of leaving the south German city where he was born and raised.

"But this is my hometown, my hometown club, and I want to play international football successfully," he said.

"That was the case last year and will hopefully continue to be so."

BDST: 2006HRS, September 23, 2010