Neuer to decide on int’l future after Euro 2024
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has cast doubt on his international future, stating he will decide after the Euro 2024 tournament. The 38-year-old, a World Cup winner in 2014, remains tight-lipped on whether this will be his final act for the national team.
“I’ll turn my mind to it after the tournament,” Neuer said on Monday.
The veteran goalkeeper’s recent performances have come under scrutiny. He returned from a long-term injury in October 2023, losing the Germany captaincy to Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan in his absence. Despite regaining his starting spot at Bayern Munich under coach Julian Nagelsmann, a series of errors at both club and international level fueled calls for his replacement.
These blunders included mistakes in pre-tournament friendlies and a costly error for Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final. Notably, with Barcelona’s Marc-Andre Ter Stegen waiting in the wings, a recent Bild survey revealed 72% of readers favored Ter Stegen over Neuer.
However, Neuer insists his focus remains solely on the Euros: “I didn’t read anything about it,” he said, referring to the media frenzy. “The focus for me was on the first game against Scotland and the upcoming matches.”
While Neuer’s legendary status alongside German goalkeeping greats like Oliver Kahn and Sepp Maier is secure, his recent struggles have opened the door for a potential changing of the guard. Only time will tell if the Euro 2024 campaign serves as a swansong for Germany’s iconic goalkeeper.
(Source: AFP)
