Football

Nagelsmann: «Neuer's departure is a huge loss for the German national team»

Bernd Thissen/dpa
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Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has commented on Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's decision to retire from the national team.

«Although I can understand Manuel's decision and his motivations, his departure is a tremendous loss. Not only in a sporting sense but also on a personal level. Neuer has shaped the role of the goalkeeper like no other in football history. With his saves, his style, his ability to initiate attacks, and his charisma, he has been more than just the national team's goalkeeper for nearly a decade and a half. His skills were a decisive element in defining how we wanted to play football.

Neuer has been and remains a great athlete and a genuinely good person. I often and gladly sought conversations with him, and I am glad that I will continue to do so in the future. We will miss Manuel in the national team», — Nagelsmann's statement was quoted by Bayern & Germany.

On Wednesday, August 21, Neuer announced his retirement from the German national team. The goalkeeper had been a mainstay for the national side for 15 years, making 127 appearances.