Munich, Aug 21: Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said Wednesday he is retiring from the national team after 15 years and 124 games. He is staying in club soccer with Bayern Munich.
The 38-year-old Neuer debuted for Germany in 2009 and won the World Cup in 2014. His last game for the national team was the 2-1 extra-time loss to eventual champion Spain in the quarterfinals as Germany hosted Euro 2024.
Neuer said he was “tempted” by the prospect of staying on for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico but decided against it after speaking with family and friends. That could open the door for Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen to take over as Germany’s starting goalkeeper.Neuer is the second leading player in the German team to retire from international soccer this week after midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, who captained the team at Euro 2024.He cited fatigue and the pressures of a busy club and international schedule in his statement on Monday. Forward Thomas Müller retired from the national team last monthManuel Neuer’s retirement from international soccer marks the end of an era for the German national team.
His decision, though influenced by personal reflection and discussions with loved ones, underscores the significant shift within the team as veteran players like Ilkay Gündogan and Thomas Müller also step away. Neuer’s legacy, highlighted by his pivotal role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory and his remarkable career spanning 15 years. (AP)
