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Germany’s legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a key figure in the country’s 2014 World Cup triumph, has announced his retirement from international football football He turned 38 on Wednesday.
Neuer is a veteran of Bayern Munich and has played 124 times for Germany, 61 of which he was captain. His last game game The national team’s last appearance was in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, where they lost to eventual champions Spain.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Neuer said that while he had considered playing until the 2026 World Cup, he ultimately decided that now was the best time to retire from the national team.
Neuer performed well in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament, helping the German team win its fourth World Cup title.
Neuer is credited with redefining the role of the goalkeeper, popularizing the “sweeper keeper” style, often moving away from goal to stop opposition attacks and displaying excellent footwork more typical of an outfield player.
Neuer made his decision to retire following a thoughtful discussion with his family and a detailed conversation with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Wednesday morning.
Looking ahead, Neuer said he will devote his full attention to his career at Bayern Munich, where he has already won two titles. alliance championship and 11 Bundesliga titles. seasonchampion alliance The final will be held at Bayern’s home ground, the Allianz Arena.
Neuer has endured a challenging period after breaking his leg in a skiing accident in December 2022, returning to the German squad in time for Euro 2024. Although Neuer has been criticised for a number of mistakes both at club and international level, he has performed well during his time at the tournament.
Looking back on his career, Neuer said: “It was a great time that shaped me and I am very proud of it.” He stressed that the victory in the 2014 World Cup and the special atmosphere of the 2024 European Championship were his most unforgettable moments, for which he is very grateful. “I am honored to be the captain of our national team until 2023. I love wearing the German team jersey.”
From 2010 to 2016, Neuer and Germany reached the semi-finals of every major tournament. However, the team suffered setbacks at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, where they were eliminated early, and was eliminated from the 2020 European Championship. Germany finally broke its knockout drought, Winning Their first knockout match match Euro 2024 is eight years away.
Neuer’s retirement follows fellow 2014 World Cup winners Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos, who also retired from international football. football after Euro 2024. Earlier this week, Ilkay Gundogan, the current German captain who missed the 2014 World Cup due to injury, announced his retirement from the national team.
Neuer, who was trained by Schalke’s youth academy in his hometown of Gelsenkirchen, made his international debut in 2009 and holds the record for the most appearances by a German goalkeeper. During Neuer’s career, Germany won 81 of 124 games and kept 51 clean sheets.
With Neuer’s resignation, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has long served as a substitute for the German team, is expected to take over as the main goalkeeper of the German team.
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