Manuel Neuer appointed Germany captain

Bayern Munich's enterprising goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has succeeded Bastian Schweinsteiger as captain of Germany.

His predecessor in the role played his final match for Die Mannschaft in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat of Finland, marking emotional scenes as he bid farewell to those attending in Monchengladbach.

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Now Neuer, who's vice-skipper of Bayern Munich, will don the armband for the incumbent World Cup champion. The 30-year-old shot stopper was a vital component of his country's 2014 triumph in Brazil, and has won 71 caps for Germany.

"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," said Neuer, according to ESPN FC.

"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."

Neuer will lead out Germany in the beginning of its 2018 World Cup qualification campaign in Norway on Sunday.