"I had to curse where no one could hear me"

Ter Stegen reflects on frustration at 2018 World Cup when benched behind Neuer despite Bayern keeper's injury recovery.

Marc-André Ter Stegen has opened up about the difficult 2018 World Cup, when he was kept out of the Germany squad despite Manuel Neuer returning from a serious injury that had sidelined him for months.

"That was the bitterest moment, but I don't want to talk about it again," the 34-year-old told Sport Bild. "The coach decides. You can get very angry about it and it changes nothing. Did I sometimes have to clench my fist in my pocket? Did I have to curse where no one could hear me? Of course!" He acknowledged thinking he deserved the opportunity but accepted the national team coaches' choice of Neuer.

Despite his disappointment, Ter Stegen praised the Bayern goalkeeper: "Neuer is not just a great goalkeeper—he's probably one of the best goalkeepers of all time."