Xabi Alonso hails Manuel Neuer as the best goalkeeper in the history of football

Xabi Alonso has heaped big praise on Manuel Neuer, calling his former teammate the best goalkeeper in the history of football.

Manuel Neuer called time on his international career on Wednesday, announcing his retirement from the Germany national team. The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner retired from Germany duty after winning 124 caps for the national team.

"Best goalkeeper in the history of football" - Xabi Alonso hails Manuel Neuer

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world for Neuer, who is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. And Xabi Alonso has now joined in with big praise for the 38 year old.

"Manu had a great career in the German national team," Alonso said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday (via Kicker). "He certainly has my admiration and my great respect. For me, Manu is perhaps the best goalkeeper in the history of football. He deserves this praise, these tributes for a great career for Germany."

Neuer and Alonso were teammates at Bayern Munich for three years, before the latter announced his retirement from football in 2017. Alonso is now the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, and led his side to an unbeaten domestic double last season.

Manuel Neuer will be determined to help Bayern Munich regain the Bundesliga title this season in what could well be his last year as a professional footballer. The goalkeeper has made a total of 522 appearances for Bayern since joining the club from Schalke 04 in 2011. And he will have his sights set on winning his 12th Bundesliga title this season.