German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from the national team on Wednesday, after playing 124 games for the country since 2009.
The 38-year-old Bayern Munich player won the Golden Glove when Germany won the 2014 World Cup.
“Today marks the end of my career with the German national football team,” Neuer wrote on Instagram.
“Those who know me know that I didn’t take this decision lightly. I feel very good physically and, obviously, the 2026 World Cup… I would have liked that too.”
“And yet I have come to the decision that now is the right time to close my chapter with the national team,” he added.
The German Football Association (DFB) said Neuer was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
“All the words seem very small. But they come from the heart: thank you, Manu,” the federation said in a statement.
“For his unique and extraordinary achievements, of course. But above all for his camaraderie, his dedication, his inspiration to other players and to millions of football fans and players around the world.”
“You changed the way a goalkeeper plays, you shaped it. Just like this team. Your team. As a backup. As a captain. As a role model. As a world champion. As a friend. We will miss you!”
Neuer’s retirement comes two days after midfielder Ilkay Gundogan also retired from the German national team.
Neuer’s club Bayern, with whom he won 11 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles and two Club World Cup titles, will begin their league season on Sunday against Wolfsburg.
Source: Terra
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