Germany plan farewell party for Neuer, Müller and co still this year

Germany national team sporting director Rudi Völler said that an official farewell ceremony for Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Ilkay Gündogan will take place in one of the two international games left this year.

"We will give our players a proper send-off at one of our next home games and give the whole thing a nice and appropriate setting," Völler told the Bild am Sonntag on Sunday.

Germany greats Neuer, Kroos, Müller and Gündogan announced their retirement from international duty after the home Euro 2024.

The German Football Federation (DFB) reportedly plans to have a farewell event in the Nations League game against the Netherlands on October 14 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Völler, meanwhile, plans to leave his position after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"For me, of course, 2026 is the end. I actually wanted to be done now," Völler said. But he decided to extend his contract ahead of the Euros to set an example for coach Julian Nagelsmann - who also extend his deal until after the 2026 World Cup.

Völler was appointed sporting director after the group exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.