Shockwaves are still rippling through German football circles as Manuel Neuer confirms his retirement from international duty - for what he hopes will be the final time. The veteran goalkeeper's departure comes on the back of a disappointing early exit from the World Cup, with Germany bowing out in the first knockout round to Paraguay after a penalty shootout thriller.
The 40-year-old Neuer had been coaxed back into action for the tournament just weeks before kick-off, replacing Oliver Baumann as Germany's number one. However, his return proved short-lived, as the team's campaign was cut short in dramatic fashion. With the match against Paraguay finishing 1-1 after extra time, it was left to the penalty shootout gods to decide the outcome - and Germany ultimately fell short, their fate sealed by a series of costly misses.
Neuer's own heroics couldn't prevent the inevitable, as he saved one effort from Fabian Balbuena, but it wasn't enough to save his team's skin. The final whistle marked an emotional end to what had promised to be a World Cup to remember for Germany, with Neuer's last-ditch penalty saves ultimately rendered meaningless.
Neuer's decision to hang up his international boots - at least, this time around - brings an end to a remarkable 14-year journey that has seen him accumulate an incredible 128 caps for his country. The Bayern Munich stalwart will no doubt be remembered for years to come as the last remaining member of Germany's triumphant 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
But despite his international career coming to a close, Neuer shows little sign of slowing down at club level - having recently signed a contract extension with Bayern Munich and showing every intention of continuing to defy Father Time. The question now is: will this be the final curtain call for one of Germany's greatest-ever goalkeepers?