German national team goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is retiring from the national team. The athlete announced this on Wednesday via his social media. “Those who know me know that this was not an easy decision for me,” wrote the German.
“Dear fans, dear German football, after more than 15 years and 124 international matches, today my career with the German national team ends,” Manuel Neuer wrote on Instagram.
The Bayern Munich player added that the decision was not easy for him because he feels very well physically and would be interested in playing in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
“And yet, after many intense and long discussions with family and friends, I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time to end my adventure with the national team,” Neuer admitted.
The famous goalkeeper recalled, among others: the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where his team ended up being the best, as well as 7 years and 61 matches in which he wore the captain’s armband.. “It is an honor that always makes me happy,” wrote the German.
The 38-year-old player thanked all the managers, directors, coaches and teammates who have supported him since his debut with the national team. June 2, 2009.
“And I would like to especially thank you, dear fans, for supporting me all these years!” he concluded.
In addition to his triumph at the World Cup in Brazil, Neuer can be proud of his third place at the World Championships in South Africa (2010), as well as bronze at the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine (2012) and France (2016).
The long-time captain is not the only member of the German national team who has recently decided to retire. A similar decision was made by Ilkay Gundogan two days ago.
