Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer leave DFB career end open
The DFB gathers an experienced team for the home European Championship, but the mission ends in the quarterfinals against Spain. The returning Toni Kroos bids farewell to his career with this. It is still unclear if it was also the last DFB appearance for Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer.
Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller have not yet made a decision about their future in the German football team after the EM exit against Spain. "I have said that I will think about it after the tournament, not today or tomorrow. It could last half a year or longer," said goalkeeper Neuer after the 1:2 in extra time in Stuttgart. The home tournament was the eighth major event for the Munich goalkeeper as the German number one in a row. Against Spain, the 38-year-old played his 124th national team game. No goalkeeper has stood between the posts for the national team as often.
World Cup teammate Müller came on as a joker against Spain for his 131st DFB appearance. The 34-year-old emphasized that he would not announce his retirement as a national player, but he made it clear: "Realistically, it could already be my last national team game. I will talk to the national coach."
Nagelsmann announced changes already for the upcoming national team games in September against Hungary and in the Netherlands - without naming names. "We already have a squad that is not extremely young. We will take our time to figure out what is right for the Nations League," said the national coach. He will have conversations with players.
The conversation with Müller could already take place this weekend, the Bayern professional himself noted. "Perhaps the trainer and I will find that it makes more sense," he spoke about the end of his DFB career after more than 14 years. He has a good relationship with the national coach. After the Nations League, the DFB team awaits the WM qualification for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada 2026.
The European Football Championship 2024 is an upcoming event that the DFB is looking forward to, hoping to overcome the quarterfinal hurdle experienced in the previous tournament. Despite their impressive performances in soccer, both Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller have not yet decided on their future with the German national soccer team. After their exit in the EM against Spain, Thomas Müller, the 34-year-old striker, hinted that his next DFB appearance could be his last.
