Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a 12-year career with the German national team. Rüdiger earned 86 caps for Germany and has chosen to step aside for the younger generation, confirming he will now focus his efforts entirely on his club career in Spain.
Jamal Musiala has been told to “get healthy” before worrying about his form for Bayern Munich and Germany, with Dietmar Hamann explaining to GOAL how football will “take care of itself” as the 23-year-old manages a “neurological dysfunction” condition. He suffered two on-field collapses during pre-season and will be given all the support he requires at the Allianz Arena before a return to competitive action is made.
Nick Woltemade poses a transfer “problem” for Newcastle, with Dietmar Hamann explaining to GOAL what the “best solution” for the German striker could be ahead of the summer deadline passing. The towering frontman has only spent 12 months at St James’ Park, following a big-money move, but could soon bid farewell to Tyneside and the Premier League.
New Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has wasted no time contacting Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk as he prepares for a daunting opening fixture. The former Barcelona boss faces an immediate trial by fire against Jurgen Klopp's Germany side.
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has broken his silence regarding his recovery from the ankle injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup. The 26-year-old missed the entire pre-season and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup defeat to Bayern Munich but expressed optimism that his return to action will not take much longer.