Manuel Neuer’s retirement from the German national team has marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Marc-André ter Stegen.
Neuer, the 2014 world champion, has been a stalwart in the German goal for over a decade, but now, at 38, he has decided to step aside, opening the door for ter Stegen to assume the mantle.
Ter Stegen reacted to Neuer’s retirement with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “Congratulations, Manuel Neuer, on your career with the DFB team. Forever a world champion and a legend of German football!”
Other prominent figures in German football echoed this sentiment. Kevin Trapp, a longtime teammate of Neuer’s, praised him for revolutionizing the goalkeeping position. Mats Hummels, who shared the 2014 World Cup victory with Neuer, called him the “best goalkeeper I have ever seen.”
Manuel Neuer’s retirement leaves big shoes to fill, but ter Stegen is more than ready to step up. The Barcelona goalkeeper, who made his national team debut in 2012, has patiently waited for his opportunity.
Despite his successes at club level, including a Champions League title and five Spanish championships with Barcelona, ter Stegen has often played second fiddle to Neuer on the international stage. He was even called upon to replace Neuer in previous tournaments due to injury, only to return to the bench once Neuer regained fitness.
Now, the time has finally come for ter Stegen to take his rightful place as Germany’s number one. With Neuer’s retirement, the torch has been passed, and ter Stegen will undoubtedly be eager to prove his worth as the new guardian of the German goal.
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