By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Germany and Bayern Munich shotstopper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international football.
The 2014 World Cup winner was capped 124 times, with his final game for Germany coming last month in their Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat by Spain.
The 38-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper made his international debut in 2009 and featured in eight major tournaments.
“After long and intensive discussions with my family and friends, I have decided to end my career in the national team,” Neuer said.
“Everyone who knows me knows that this decision was not an easy one for me. I feel very good physically and of course the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico would have been very appealing to me.”
“At the same time, I am convinced that now is exactly the right time to take this step and to concentrate fully on FC Bayern Munich in the future.”
“I would also like to say a very special thank you to the fans of the national team who have always supported me over all these years!
Neuer will continue his club career after signing a new deal last year to stay with Bayern until 2025.
Neuer was handed his international debut by Joachim Low and He went on to break numerous records but has become the fourth Germany player to retire since Euro 2024 with Gundogan, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller also quitting national team duty.