Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his
retirement from international football once again following his country's
surprise elimination from the FIFA World Cup by Paraguay.
The 40-year-old confirmed his decision after Germany
suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay after the
teams played out a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Reacting to the disappointing exit, Neuer admitted the
manner of Germany's elimination was difficult to accept.
"It's extremely bitter for it to end like
this," the veteran goalkeeper said after the match.
Neuer enjoyed an international career spanning more
than two decades and is widely regarded as one of Germany's greatest
goalkeepers.
He began his professional career with Schalke 04
before joining Bayern Munich in 2011, where he established himself as one of
the world's best shot-stoppers.
The experienced goalkeeper had initially retired from
international football after UEFA Euro 2024 but made a surprise return to
represent Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following Monday's defeat, however, Neuer confirmed
that he has once again brought his international career to a close.
His appearance against Paraguay marked his 128th cap
for Germany, placing him fifth on the country's all-time appearance list behind
Lukas Podolski (130), Thomas Müller (131), Miroslav Klose (137) and Lothar
Matthäus (150).
Meanwhile, Paraguay advanced to the next stage of the
tournament and will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between France and
Sweden.
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