In his final departure from Germany after the end of the World Cup Manuel Neuer was reported, confirming that his return to the national team was made exclusively for this event.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, world champion in 2014 and Germany's main goalkeeper for fifth successive World Cup, had retired from the national team after the blockade in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, held in his country. However, he came back at the suggestion of federal technician Julian Nagelsman, after a strong second half of the season with Bayern Munich.

"I retired in 2024 for good reason, after a good Euro in my country. For me it was the right decision and so I felt it," Neuer said at a press conference. "For me it was clear that this is my last tournament. I do not intend to be in the Euro in two years".

The experienced goalkeeper added that he has realized that his games at the World Cup are his last presence with the "nasionalmansaft", however stressing that he wants to focus exclusively on the event rather than farewells.

"It is clear that these are my last games with Germany. But I want to focus on the tournament rather than on farewell ceremonies," he said.

Neuer took a key position instead of Oliver Bauman, who had originally been designated as a first choice, and competed in Germany's impressive 7-1 over Curacao at the group premiere.

"We work with Oliver, we support each other. We discussed how my return came about and everything was done with professionalism," he noted.

Germany faces Côte d'Ivoire on Saturday and with victory will secure qualification in the next phase.

Neuer, who has experienced early exclusions in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, stressed that his team is not looking at the past but the next game.

"Our goal is clear. We have the situation in our hands and we only look at the next step," he said.

Referring to the possibility of winning the trophy, he noted that it would be a special achievement, but stressed the priority of the team's course.

"It is a gift to be here again. It would be very special to conquer it for the second time, but if I didn't think we could achieve it, I wouldn't be here", he concluded.

SOURCE: RES