Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he will not be returning to the German national team.

With Marc-André ter Stegen sidelined for a long time due to a back injury, there were rumors that Neuer might return to the national team. However, Neuer made it clear to Sky Sports Germany after Bayern Munich's 5-0 victory over Hamburg: "The fact is, I have decided not to play for the national team anymore." When asked if this decision was final, he replied: "Yes!"

Neuer's statement clearly contradicts previous statements made by his agent, Thomas Klot. Last Tuesday, Klot told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FR): "Manuel is in excellent physical condition and his performances are still top-notch. If Julian Nagelsmann were to face problems in goalkeeping and Manuel remained fit and was called up, he would certainly not refuse." In response, Neuer said: "We haven't discussed this issue."

With Neuer's public stance, rumors of a return to the German national team have officially come to an end. Since his debut in 2009, the 39-year-old Neuer has made 124 appearances for Germany, including four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022) and four European Championships (2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024). During this time, he has kept 51 clean sheets for Germany and won the 2014 World Cup with the team.

However, Neuer has announced the end of his 15-year international career in August 2024. His intention is to focus on the club and win more championships for Bayern Munich.