Top stopper Neuer hangs up his international gloves

MUNICH — Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, announced his retirement from international soccer on Wednesday at the age of 38.

Bayern Munich veteran Neuer played 124 matches for Germany, captaining his country 61 times. His final appearance came in the quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Spain at Euro 2024.

Neuer wrote on social media that, although he was tempted to play until the 2026 World Cup, he was "convinced that now is the right time to take this step".

He shone at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, named as the tournament's best goalkeeper, as Germany won the trophy for a fourth time.

Known as the archetypal "sweeper-keeper" of the modern era, Neuer revolutionized the position, often venturing far from his penalty box to snuff out attacks while possessing skills with his feet usually reserved for outfield players.

Neuer revealed that he had made the decision after discussions with his family, as well as a conversation with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Wednesday morning.

He said he planned to "concentrate fully" on playing for Bayern, with whom he has won two Champions Leagues and 11 Bundesliga titles.

This season's Champions League final will take place at Munich's Allianz Arena.

Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident in December 2022 and only returned to the Germany squad just ahead of its home European Championship this summer, reclaiming his role as the nation's first-choice keeper.

He was criticized before Euro 2024 after a series of mistakes at club and international level, but impressed at the tournament.

"It was a great time which shaped me, and of which I am very proud," he said.

"Winning the World Cup in 2014, and the special atmosphere during the European Championship at home this year, are highlights for which I am extremely grateful.

"It was an honor for me to be captain of our national team until 2023. I loved wearing the Germany jersey."

From 2010 until 2016, Neuer and Germany made it to the final four of every major tournament.

After disappointing group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and a last-16 elimination by England at Euro 2020, Germany won its first knockout match in eight years at Euro 2024.

Neuer follows fellow 2014 World Cup winners Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos, who both played at Euro 2024, into international retirement.

The retirement clears the way for long-time back-up Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona, who is expected to take over from the Bayern captain as Germany's No 1.

Gundogan eyes City move

On Monday, current Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan, who missed the 2014 World Cup campaign through injury, also announced he had played his last game at international level and has left Barcelona.

Manchester City and Gundogan, however, look set to be reunited.

The former Germany midfielder was pictured at the airport on Wednesday, and was reportedly catching a flight from Barcelona to Manchester to wrap up his return to City on a one-year deal, with the option of another 12 months.

Neither City nor Barcelona has commented publicly on any deal for the 33-year-old Gundogan.

Gundogan left City after the 2022-23 season, during which he was captain of the team that won the Premier League-FA Cup-Champions League treble. He spent seven years at the English club, but decided to move to Barcelona for a new challenge, and was one of Xavi Hernandez's favorite players during his sole season in charge of the Catalan club.

Agencies