Germany’s veteran goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has announced that he will decide on his future in international football after Euro 2024.
The 2014 World Cup winner, who is participating in his eighth major tournament, made this revelation on Monday.
The 38-year-old shot-stopper stated that he “could not yet reveal” if Euro 2024 would mark his last appearance for the national team, adding, “I’ll turn my mind to it after the tournament.”
Neuer made his comeback for Bayern Munich in October following a near year-long hiatus due to a broken leg. During his absence, the German captaincy was handed over to Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan.
Despite some high-profile errors upon his return, Neuer was reinstated as Germany’s No.1 by coach Julian Nagelsmann, a decision met with mixed reactions.
Neuer’s return to form has been rocky, with notable mistakes in pre-tournament friendlies against Ukraine and Greece, and a costly error in Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid in May.
These mishaps have fueled calls for a change, with many suggesting Barcelona’s Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as a potential replacement.
A survey conducted by German tabloid Bild, involving 80,000 readers, showed that 72 percent preferred Ter Stegen over Neuer for the starting position. When asked about the poll, Neuer responded, “I didn’t read anything about it,” emphasizing that his focus remains firmly on Germany’s upcoming matches.
In Germany’s 5-1 victory over Scotland on Friday, Neuer faced little challenge, with the only goal conceded coming from a header by teammate Antonio Rudiger. Reflecting on his performance, Neuer remarked, “I’ve actually always done it in such a way that I go into the analysis with those responsible here and we discuss everything, look at the pictures and then evaluate everything.”
He further elaborated, “That’s why I haven’t given much thought to this debate. Of course, the relationship of trust between our team and the players is important.”
As Germany gears up for their Euro 2024 campaign, the spotlight remains on Neuer, not just for his performance on the field, but also for the impending decision about his international future post-tournament.
For now, fans and analysts alike will have to wait until the end of Euro 2024 to learn the fate of one of Germany’s most storied goalkeepers.
