Europe win Ryder Cup

His withdrawal leaves Wales' Ian Woosnam as the hot favourite with England's Nick Faldo and Scot Sandy Lyle also keen to do the job.

"I wish to end all speculation that I will serve a second term as captain," said Germany's Langer.

"I've informed the tournament committee that I have every intention of being a playing member of the 2006 team."

Langer, 47, guided Europe to a record-breaking 18�-9� victory in Detroit in September, and was being urged in some quarters to continue in the role.

I look forward to playing on [the next captain's] team in Ireland Bernhard Langer

But the two-time Masters champion is aware there is a number of suitable candidates queuing up, and admitted it would be unfair to deny them their chance.

Langer, who would equal Faldo's record of 11 appearances if he did make next year's line-up, added: "Both my wife Vikki and I have the most wonderful memories of the week in Detroit - memories that will never fade.

"But playing golf remains number one on my priority list. I have made a solid start to this year and I intend to play a full schedule.

Woosnam is favourite to be the next European Ryder Cup captain

"It was a great honour to be the European team captain and I am particularly proud of the place that the 2004 team now holds in the record books, but it is the turn of one of my colleagues to take the reins.

"I look forward to playing on his team in Ireland."

Woosnam, 46, who was vice-captain to Sam Torrance in 2002, is known to have a close affinity with Ireland and the Irish golf fans, and would be a popular choice in the absence of a suitable home-grown captain.

Faldo, 47, the most prolific points scorer in the history of the Ryder Cup, withdrew from the last captaincy race to try to make the team again.

But the Englishman may be considered a more suitable candidate for the return match in America in 2008.

European Tour tournament committee chairman Jamie Spence said: "It is the intention of the committee to issue an invitation following the 1 March meeting to one of our members to become the next captain.

"If this is forthcoming then we will announce the captain on 2 March.

"I would like to thank Bernhard once again on behalf of the tournament committee - and indeed all members of the European Tour - for his commitment as captain and to wish him every success in his quest to return as a player in 2006."