Manuel Neuer ends Germany career: Remembering when goalie was banned from kissing own team’s badge | Football News
Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer on Wednesday announced his retirement from international football, becoming the latest Die Mannschaft player to hang up his boots after the recent retirements of teammates Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Ilkay Gündogan.
“For one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, all words seem too small. But they come from the heart: Thank you, Manu! Of course for your unique, outstanding successes. But especially for your camaraderie, your dedication, your inspiration for teammates and millions of fans and footballers all over the world. You changed the game of goalkeeping, you shaped it. Just like this team. Your team. As a support. As a captain. As a role model. As a world champion. As a friend. We will miss you!” the German football X account posted.
The keeper made his international debut in 2009 and played 124 matches in Germany, playing at 4 World Cups and winning once in 2014 and has also represented Germany in 4 Euros.
Für einen der größten Torhüter aller Zeiten scheinen alle Worte zu klein. Aber sie kommen von Herzen: Danke, Manu! Natürlich für Deine einzigartigen, herausragenden Erfolge. Aber ganz besonders auch für Deine Kameradschaft, Deine Hingabe, Deine Inspiration für Mitspieler und… pic.twitter.com/eTufV7CkG4
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) August 21, 2024
The time Neuer was banned from kissing own team’s badge
Even though Neuer is counted among the greatest goalkeepers in Bayern Munich’s modern hory, the self-confessed Schalke 04 fan had faced hostile protests from some Bayern Munich Ultras groups when he first signed for the The Bavarians in 2011.
According to Newspaper SportBild, a code of conduct was issued five supporter groups on how to behave as a Bayern Munich player. The code of conduct banned Neuer from starting chants with the supporters while also banned him from kissing the Bayern badge on his shirt.
It also warned him against approaching the fencing at the front of the home stadium’s south stand, the place which is typically where the Ultas groups stand. Additionally, Neuer was also not allowed to throw his shirt into the crowd nor kneel in front of the team and sing the club song.
