Germany legend Neuer set for World Cup return after retirement reversal
Berlin, May 17
Bayern Munich and Germany legend Manuel Neuer is all set to wear the prestigious national colours once again, agreeing to come back from retirement to feature in his fifth FIFA World Cup this year.
After announcing his retirement in 2024, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner and multi-time Bundesliga-winning goalkeeper has been convinced by team's manager Julian Nagelsmann, as per a Sky Sports report quoted by Goal.com.
The 40-year-old has reportedly agreed to Julian's idea, and with the German Football Association (DFB) director Rudi Voller to be his side's first-choice goalie for the tournament. Germany is featured in Group E with Curacao, the Ivory Coast and Ecuador and will start their campaign against Curacao on June 14 in Houston.
The trio has reportedly engaged in multiple meetings over last few weeks. Nagelsmann is impressed by the veteran's recent high-level performances at the club level and feels that his "experience and winning mentality" make him a valuable asset for Germany's bid to win their fifth World Cup title.
Neuer was also a part of the 55-man provisional list for the World Cup, submitted by DFB to FIFA and has not been made public yet. This step was extremely important for his comeback to the 26-man squad, which will be unveiled on May 21.
But Neuer's return, a massive boost for Germany fans, could be a massive blow to Oliver Baumann, who had spent time in the absence of Neuer to establish himself as the number one goalie, but is now likely to be pushed back in pecking order.
However, he stayed positive on the development after Hoffenheim's 4-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach, saying as quoted by Goal.com, "I am going into the preparation and then the World Cup with a lot of confidence. He (Julian) has expressed his trust in me. Period. I have my information from my conversation with Julian. It was a one-on-one conversation," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel bad for Baumann. He worked hard to become number one and now this happens. But Neuer's experience in big tournaments is unmatched. Germany's group looks manageable too - Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador. They should top it easily.
Nagelsmann is making a bold call here. Neuer's reflexes might still be top but at 40, recovery and injury risks are real. Germany should have gradually phased him out after 2022. But then again, if he's been playing well for Bayern, why not? Let's see how it pans out.
This is pure nostalgia! Neuer revolutionized goalkeeping with his sweeper-keeper style. Watching him in a World Cup again will be special. Meanwhile, our Indian team is nowhere close to such decisions. Hope we can learn from Germany's planning and development system. 🇮🇳
Baumann's response shows great professionalism - "I have my information from my conversation with Julian." No drama, no controversy. That's what makes German football so strong. Neuer's return might hurt him now but he'll get his chance eventually.
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