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Manuel Neuer appointed as new Germany captain

Xinhua, September 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been appointed as Germany's new team captain, head coach Joachim Loew confirmed in an official statement on Thursday.

The Bayern Munich custodian will succeed Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who made his last game in Germany's national dress against Finland (2-0) on Wednesday, as the new Germany skipper.

"The national team is in the fortunate position to have several team leaders that have the profile of a captain," Loew said. "For me, Manuel Neuer is the logical successor of Bastian Schweinsteiger. He brings everything I want from a captain. His sportive achievements are outstanding. Manuel is always there for the team, he is a team player and an absolute role model."

After representing Germany already in several youth teams, his performances between Schalke's posts earned him a call up into Germany's senior team in June 2009. He made ever since 71 competitive outings for the "Nationalmannschaft" and clinched the 2014 FIFA World Cup title in Brazil after beating Argentine 1-0 in the final.

"It is a great honour and it makes me very proud to be the captain of the national team," Manuel Neuer said. "But, we all know that we need several team leaders on the pitch if we want to be successful. I am very pleased with the confidence of the national coach."

The 30-year-old goalkeeper played his way through Schalke' s youth teams before he made his senior debut for the "Royal Blues" in August 2016. He became then, with 20 years, the youngest Bundesliga first-team goalkeeper.

In 2011 he agreed on a transfer to German record champions Bayern Munich where he reaped the triple by winning the German Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Champions League in 2013. He made overall 162 appearances for the "Bavarians" to date.

Reigning FIFA World Champions Germany travel to Norway for the first game of the World Cup Qualifiers on Sunday. Endit