Just last week, Bayern Munich and Germany great Manuel Neuer made the decision to end his international career. It surprised many given the fact that the 38-year-old can go for much longer, after which the “Sweeper Keeper” explained in a Kicker interview (via @iMiaSanMia) more on his retirement.
How are you feeling after the decision to retire from the national team?
Neuer: I have to say that I feel very good because it was a conscious decision on my part. Of course there is a bit of sadness, but at the same time a lot of relief.
You don’t make a decision like that overnight, it was a process. After the serious injury, my focus was on fighting back and doing everything I could to get back to goal for Germany. During that time, I didn’t think for a second about my retirement from the national team. That only happened when I was on vacation after the bitter defeat at the Euros at home. I talked to my closest confidants, my family and my friends and, above all, thought about how I could continue now.
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Neuer said that he achieved everything he could with Die Mannschaft, which played a part in his decision. “I have come a long way in the national team over the past 15 years, with all the tournaments and the many experiences I have been able to gain. I am very grateful to German football and the national team for that. But then I had to ask myself: what could happen now? What could the end look like? I think that in the recent past we have worked successfully with the national team and all employees to regain that sense of togetherness and to make a difference. We have built something and steered the ship in the right direction again, something new can start again. The fact that I was able to take part in this and contribute to it fills me with pride – and gratitude.”
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Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
The outpour of tributes proved to be overwhelmingly positive, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann among them, but Manu revealed that his former club coach understood his decision and didn’t try to dissuade him. “From a coaching perspective, he confirmed to me that he and the team will miss me because our relationship was very good and something has developed. That’s why this separation hurts him. From a friendly perspective, he said that he would completely understand the decision and also say that it’s the right step and the right path.”
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