Manuel Neuer has called his decision to retire from international football after 15 years with Germany a decision that “had to come at some point”.
Germany’s most-capped goalkeeper, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer announced the surprise move on Instagram, bringing to a close a career with Die Mannschaft which included winning the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
“Everyone who knows me knows that this decision wasn’t easy,” said the 38-year-old, whose 124 appearances make him the fifth-highest appearance maker in his country’s history.
“I made my debut over 15 years ago against the UAE and was so nervous back then. We had many ups and downs. The highlight was obviously the World Cup win in Brazil.
“When I look back today, I’m very proud and grateful to have stood with my teammates on the pitch and to have been captain for seven years.”
We give you: Manuel Neuer. The best goalkeeper in football history! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ZgU6MdQHoI
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) August 21, 2024
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Manuel Neuer retires
Germany kept four clean sheets in seven matches as Neuer won the Golden Glove in Brazil, routing the host nation 7-1 in the semi-finals and beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.
Neuer finished third in the Ballon d’Or behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the same year and was named Fifa Best Goalkeeper in 2020.
Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer has won the Bundesliga 11 times, the Uefa Champions League in 2013 and 2020 and the German Cup on five occasions.
Having returned last October from a broken leg that kept him out for almost a year, Neuer helped the host nation reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 this summer, conceding twice in four matches before a 2-1 defeat to champions Spain after extra time.
🇩🇪 #DankeManu 🐐🐐🐐@Manuel_Neuer | @DFB_Team pic.twitter.com/DmPiKE1F2w
— UEFA EURO 2024 DE (@EURO2024DE) August 21, 2024
Neuer ‘loved’ Germany career
“To crown my career, I was able to come back from injury and play at a home Euro,” said Neuer. “I would like to thank all [German FA] employees who have accompanied me, especially the coaches and goalkeeping coaches, the staff – we were a family. And also my teammates with whom I had a lot of fun playing and training.
“A special thank you to the fans for supporting me. The support has always been there. I loved wearing the German national team shirt.”
Bayern’s league season starts at Wolfsburg on Sunday (2.30pm BST). Neuer played as Die Roten won 4-0 in the first round of the German Cup at second-tier Ulm on Friday, when forward Thomas Muller, who announced his international retirement for Germany after Euro 2024, scored twice.
Ilkay Gundogan also ended his Germany career after the finals, while fellow midfielder Toni Kroos played his final match against Spain after retiring from club football at the end of last season.
