Manuel Neuer selected as the new captain of Germany

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been named the new captain of the world champions after Bastian Schweinsteiger announced his retirement following Euro 2016.

Neuer made his debut with Die Mannschaft in 2009 against the United Arab Emirates and was a key part of Germany’s World Cup triumph in 2014. Several players like Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira were mentioned as possibilities for the captaincy, but in the end Joachim Low has selected the three-time World Goalkeeper of the Year to lead the side before the start of their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.

Head coach Joachim Löw on his decision to name Manuel Neuer as the new Germany captain:

"With the national team, we are in a very good situation. We have a lot of leaders in the squad, all of whom would be highly capable as captain. For me, Manuel Neuer is the logical successor to Bastian Schweinsteiger. He has everything you can want from a captain. His achievements through his career are outstanding, he gives everything for the team and he is a model professional. He has exceptional qualities as a person. He takes full responsibility for himself and others, leads by example and always stays calm and composed. He is well regarded by the whole team and commands a great deal of respect. I know that he understands the duties that come with the role and expect that he will lead the players on and off the pitch." - DFB

Manuel Neuer on being selected as the new Germany captain:

"It is an honour. I am proud to be captain of the team. But we all know that we need to have more than one leader on the pitch if we want to be successful. Key aspects are discussed within the team council and we make decisions together. Of course I know that the captain’s armband is important symbolically. I am pleased that the head coach has placed in trust in me by naming me as captain." - DFB

Neuer has made 71 appearances for the senior national team, has 25 clean sheets, has been named World Goalkeeper of the Year in 2013, 2014, 2015 and has won a World Cup title.

Manuel Neuer is the second goalkeeper to be named as Germany captain after Oliver Kahn.