Bayern Munich’s experienced player Neuer played 124 games and was the team’s captain 61 times.
MUNICH: Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who won the World Cup in 2014, announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from international football at the age of 38.
The experienced Bayern Munich player played 124 games for Germany and served as captain 61 times. His last game was in the quarter-final loss to Spain, who went on to win Euro 2024.
Neuer shared on social media that although he considered playing until the 2026 World Cup, he is “sure that now is the right time to make this decision.”
He excelled at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament as Germany claimed their fourth title.
Neuer is known as the classic “sweeper-keeper” of modern football, changing the way the position is played. He often moved far from his goal to stop attacks and displayed foot skills more common among outfield players.
Neuer said he made his retirement decision after discussing it with his family and having a thorough conversation with Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, on Wednesday morning.
He stated that he plans to “focus completely” on playing for Bayern Munich, where he has won two Champions League titles and 11 Bundesliga championships.
This season’s Champions League final will be held at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident in December 2022 and returned to the Germany squad just before Euro 2024, reclaiming his position as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Before Euro 2024, he faced criticism due to several mistakes at both club and international levels but performed well during the tournament.
“It was a fantastic time that shaped me, and I’m very proud of it,” Neuer said.
“Winning the World Cup in 2014 and experiencing the special atmosphere during this year’s European Championship at home are highlights for which I’m extremely grateful.
“It was an honor to captain our national team until 2023. I loved wearing the Germany jersey.”
From 2010 to 2016, Neuer and Germany reached the semi-finals of every major tournament.
After disappointing exits in the group stages at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and a round of 16 defeat by England at Euro 2020, Germany won their first knockout match in eight years at Euro 2024.
Neuer follows fellow 2014 World Cup winners Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos, who both played at Euro 2024, into international retirement.
On Monday, current Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan, who missed the 2014 World Cup due to injury, also announced that he had played his last international match.
A product of Schalke’s academy in his hometown of Gelsenkirchen, Neuer made his international debut in 2009 and earned more caps than any other German goalkeeper.
Germany won 81 of the 124 matches Neuer played, and he kept 51 clean sheets.
With Neuer’s retirement, long-time backup Marc-André ter Stegen of Barcelona is expected to take over as Germany’s number one goalkeeper.
