Veteran goalkeeper Neuer joins international exodus

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (right), a 2014 World Cup winner, announced his retirement from international football this week at the age of 38.

Bayern Munich veteran Neuer played 124 matches for Germany, captaining his country 61 times. His final appearance came in the quarterfinal loss to eventual champions Spain at Euro 2024.

Neuer wrote on social media that although he was tempted to play until the 2026 World Cup, he was "convinced that now is the right time to take this step”.

He shone at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was named as the tournament's best goalkeeper, as Germany won the trophy for the fourth time.

Known as the archetypal "sweeper-keeper" of the modern era, Neuer revolutionised the position, often venturing far from his penalty box to snuff out attacks while possessing skills with his feet usually reserved for outfield players.