FC Bayern München goalkeeper Manuel Neuer named new Germany captain
FC Bayern München goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been named Germany's new captain by head coach Joachim Low.
The 30-year-old, who has represented his country 71 times, succeeds Bastian Schweinsteiger, who played the last of his 121 games for his country in a 2-0 win over Finland on Wednesday night.
"We are in a lucky situation of having several leaders who have what it takes to be captain," said Löw. "For me, Manuel Neuer is the logical successor to Bastian Schweinsteiger. He has everything that I could wish for from a leading player. His performances are exceptional and Manuel is always there for the team, he's a team player and an absolute role model.
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"He also has great human qualities. He takes on responsibility, leads the way while remaining cool and relaxed. He's highly regarded within the team while his word carries weight. While the responsibility will continue to be shared across many shoulders, I expect and I know that the leading players will work for the team, on and off the field."
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Neuer, who was named the world's best goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics in 2013, 2014 and 2015, when he also made it into UEFA's Team of the Season, has kept a total of 25 clean sheets and conceded just 52 goals in his 71 caps.