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          Germany confirm Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer as new captain

          • ESPN staffSep 1, 2016, 08:51 AM ET

          Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will succeed Bastian Schweinsteiger as the new Germany captain.

          Neuer, who made his Germany debut in 2009, has made 71 appearances for the senior national side, conceding only 52 goals, and was a key part of the 2014 World Cup-winning side.

          He faced competition from several players for the captaincy, with Bayern teammate Jerome Boateng saying on several occasions that he had hoped to take the armband.

          Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira were also mentioned as possibilities, but Joachim Low has selected 30-year-old Neuer to lead the side ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.

          Neuer told the DFB website: "It's a huge honour for me and it fills me with pride. We all know, though, that we need numerous leading players on the field if we want to be successful.

          "Of course I know that the role of captain has a great symbolic significance and I'm delighted with the faith that the national team coach has placed in me by naming me his captain."

          Schweinsteiger had succeeded Philipp Lahm after the last World Cup but the Manchester United midfielder announced his international retirement after Euro 2016.

          Low said: "We are in a lucky situation of having numerous leading figures who have what it takes to be captain. 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. 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."

          Schweinsteiger, 32, made his final appearance for Germany in Wednesday's 2-0 friendly victory over Finland.