Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international football.
He mad this announcement via his official Instagram handle., where he said that he was tempted to play until the 2026 World Cup.
However, he was “convinced that now is the right time to take this step”.
“After many intense and long discussions with my family and friends, I have decided that right now is the right time to close my chapter at National Eleven.”
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The goalkeeper also took a moment to thank his fans worldwide: “Many thanks to all the staff, supervisors, coaches, and fellow players who have supported me since my debut in the national team on 2 June 2009. And I especially want to thank you, dear fans, for supporting me all these years!”
Neuer, who still has a contract with Bundesliga club Bayern München until 2025, will now focus on club duties and will most likely pass the torch to Barcelona’s keeper, Ter Stegen, to defend Germany’s goal in international games.
Neuer retires from Germany duty with 124 caps over a 15-year period. He represented the national team at four World Cups and four European Championships, as well as the 2017 Confederations Cup.
