Kolkata : Germany’s legendary Goalkeeper and World Cup winner Manuel Neuer has announced his international retirement, drawing curtains to his 15 years legacy.
Neuer has 124 caps to his name and has been top goal keeper for over a decade.
The goalkeeper announced his retirement news in his social media account.
He said, “The day had to come at some point. Today my career with the German national team ends. Everyone who knows me knows that this decision wasn’t easy for me”.
Despite facing group stage exits in 2018 & 2022 World Cup, he won 2014 World Cup defeating Argentina in the final. He last doned the German jersey in the Euro Cup 2024 quarter final where Spain, the eventual champions knocked them out.
Neuer revealed he made the announcement after discussions with his family & Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Wednesday.
He said he planned to “concentrate fully” on playing for Bayern, with whom he has won 2 Champions Leagues & 11 Bundesliga titles.
Neuer broke his leg in skiing accident in December 2022 and returned to the Germany squad ahead of Euro 2024 on home soil.
“It was a great time which shaped me and of which I am very proud,” he said.
“Winning the World Cup title in 2014 and the special atmosphere during the European Championship at home this year are highlights for which I am extremely grateful”.
“It was an honour for me to be captain of our national team until 2023. I loved wearing the Germany jersey”, he added.
Neuer will join the likes of Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller & IIkay Gundogan who recently retired after the end of Euro Cup 2024.
Neuer’s retirement will clear way for Barcelona’s Ten Stegen in Germany team, who has remained as a backup for him in the team for long time.
