Manuel Neuer pens a heartfelt missive to the German football team
With his departure from the German football national team, legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer officially calls an end to an era. In a heartfelt letter, he lays out the reasons behind his decision, and age was a significant factor.
Writing on "The Players' Tribune," Neuer admits this is out of character for him as a private individual. However, after announcing his retirement, he felt compelled to share more than just an Instagram post. He wanted to express the profound impact Germany and football have had on him.
The 2014 World Cup champion delves deep into the last few months, recounting his recovery from a leg break, his comeback, and Germany's successful hosting of the EURO tournament. When he was selected for the squad at the tournament, Neuer said it was one of his proudest moments. A small miracle, indeed.
On October 5, 2022, Neuer declared it was time to hang up his DFB jersey, having played 124 international matches. Following the tournament, he experienced a wealth of positive emotions during his vacation. He admitted that the emotional aspect of him wanted to carry on, even aiming for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico – a challenge given that he would be 40 at the time.
"I feel great right now, both physically and mentally," Neuer ponders. However, he realizes that no one can predict the future. Sharing his thoughts with trusted confidants, he felt that this was the perfect time to move on.
Leaving the national team allows Neuer to focus on his love for football, in particular with Bayern Munich. Even at 38, his passion for the game remains unwavering. When he spots an errant ball on the pitch, he's still compelled to interact with it – whether kicking or heading it away.
Neuer signs off by thanking his fans for their constant support, calling himself simply "your goalkeeper – Manu."
In his retirement announcement, Neuer mentions his desire to continue playing soccer at the 2026 World Cup, but acknowledges that he would be 40 years old during that tournament. Despite leaving the national team, Neuer's passion for soccer remains strong, as evidenced by his eagerness to interact with errant balls on the pitch with Bayern Munich.
