World champion Manuel Neuer will take over the role of Germany national team captain, following the retirement of Bastian Schweinsteiger. Head coach Joachim Löw gave the news to the rest of the team on Thursday.

Discussing his decision, Löw said that “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.”

Neuer: "I am proud to be captain of the team"

Neuer already filled in as captain for five of Germany’s six matches at Euro 2016 while Schweinsteiger was injured, but now holds the full title himself. Neuer is the first goalkeeper to be Germany national team captain since Oliver Kahn. “It is an honour,” said Neuer. "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.”

Neuer made his first appearance for Germany on 2nd June 2009 against the United Arab Emirates. He has since played in goal 71 times for Germany, conceding 52 and keeping 25 clean sheets. He won the World Cup in 2014 and was voted Goalkeeper of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2015.