'It is clear that this is my last tournament…': Germany's Neuer on retirement

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Germany’s star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to retire after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He confirmed the decision during the press conference.

He was part of Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning squad and is currently making his appearance in his fifth consecutive World Cup. According to Reuters, Neuer had initially retired from international football after Germany’s quarter-final exit from Euro 2024.

Following his impressive form in the second half of the season with Bayern Munich, head coach Julian Nagelsmann named him in Germany’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“I stepped back in 2024 with a good reason after a good home Euro. For me, it was the right decision. It felt right. It would have been too much of a sporting burden for me (to have kept playing for the national team) for the last two years,” Neuer said during the press conference.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper also said that he is looking forward to featuring in all the World Cup games for Germany and does not want a farewell game.

“For me, it is clear that this is my last tournament. I do not plan to be there in two years time for the next Euro. In the last days, I have dealt with the fact that these are the last games for Germany. But I want to look forward to all the games and not to any goodbye shirts,” he said.

Earlier, Oliver Baumann was Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the global showpiece, before Neuer’s return. The 40-year-old goalkeeper said that he trains alongside Baumann and they support each other well.

“We work together with Oliver. We support each other and train for the team. After coming together, we discussed things and talked about how it came about (with my return),” said the Gelsenkirchen-born footballer.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany: Upcoming match’s date, opposition and venue

Germany will lock horns with the Ivory Coast in the upcoming match. The clash is scheduled to be played on June 21 at the Toronto Stadium in Canada.

(With ANI Inputs)

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