Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has addressed the swirling rumors about a potential international return for legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, confirming the two remain in regular contact. Speaking on MagentaTV's 'Bestbesetzung', Nagelsmann shared a lighthearted take on the public's curiosity about their relationship.

"I always find it quite amusing when the public asks me whether I’m in contact with ‘Manu’. Yes, I am," Nagelsmann stated. "We call each other occasionally, we text occasionally. He is capable of using WhatsApp, as am I. We also sometimes talk about other topics beyond football. We have a very good relationship."

Despite persistent reports linking the 40-year-old Bayern Munich stalwart to a comeback for the upcoming World Cup, Nagelsmann emphasized that Neuer's retirement decision, made after Euro 2024, stands firm. The coach pointed out that Neuer himself has consistently downplayed the speculation.

“Manu has retired of his own free will. He has repeated that several times now. So I don’t think it makes much sense to keep discussing it constantly,” Nagelsmann stressed, effectively putting the rumors to rest for now.

With the door closed on a Neuer comeback, the focus shifts to the future between the posts for Die Mannschaft. Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann is currently the frontrunner to be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, marking a new era for the national team's last line of defense.