Sebastian Kehl has stepped down from his role as Borussia Dortmund captain ahead of the new season.

The defensive midfielder is preparing for his final campaign before retiring next summer, and he believes that it is the right time to pass the armband to one of his teammates as Jurgen Klopp aims to take the Bundesliga title away from Bayern Munich.

"I've decided to finish being captain from right now," Kehl told the club's official website. "I already told this decision to the club and the coach at the end of the last season.

"I was very proud to be captain of Borussia Dortmund, I was very pleased about it. It was a great responsibility for me, but responsibility also means for me to care for the team and for the club, and that is how I have always lived and understood my role."

Kehl took the captaincy from Christian Worns in 2008.