Comeback for Germany: Neuer shuts the door for good | OneFootball

In recent weeks, discussions about a possible return of Manuel Neuer to the national team have gained momentum. But after Bayern’s 5-0 victory over HSV, the FCB captain put an end to this discussion.

For several weeks now, Manuel Neuer has been linked with a return to the German national team. Last Wednesday, the long-time first-choice goalkeeper of the DFB squad stated at a reception in the Bavarian State Chancellery in Munich: “First of all, I wasn’t even asked. It was a conscious decision on my part that I am no longer part of the national team and that I have also retired.”

At that event, the 39-year-old added: “Accordingly, this is not even an issue for me,” the Bayern captain made clear. At the Sky microphone, Neuer was once again asked about the topic after Bayern’s 5-0 win over Hamburger SV.

There, the five-time World Goalkeeper repeated: “The fact is, I have decided not to play for the national team anymore.” When asked whether the decision was final, Neuer responded briefly and concisely: “Yes.”

Neuer’s agent fueled DFB rumors

The speculation about a possible return of Neuer had been fueled in recent days by two prominent voices. First, agent Thomas Kroth told the Frankfurter Rundschau: “He is in top shape, absolutely performing. If Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in that position, Manuel is healthy and is asked – then Manu certainly won’t say no.”

The 2014 World Cup winner also responded to this on Saturday evening. He emphasized that he had not spoken to his agent about this topic. Previously, Uli Hoeneß had also advocated for a DFB comeback for Neuer, saying: “At a World Cup, the best have to play. And Manuel is the best. That’s why he has to play if he’s healthy.” Neuer’s clear rejection, however, is likely to have ended the discussion for now.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.