Bernd Leno has opened up about his decision to turn down a Germany call-up last year, insisting he has no regrets about prioritising his club career at Fulham — but hasn’t ruled out playing for the national team again.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has not featured for Die Mannschaft since March 2024 and declined Julian Nagelsmann’s invitation to join the squad later that year as a third-choice option. Leno said at the time he wanted to focus on Fulham rather than spend international breaks on the bench.
Speaking to Sport1 after Fulham’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend — his eighth Premier League start of the season — Leno reflected on that choice, stressing it was a deliberate and mature decision rather than a reactionary one.
“I’m quite relaxed about it now and I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’ll be 34 in March; I made the decision consciously,” Leno said.
Leno clarifies stance on Germany retirement
Despite declining the call-up in 2024, Leno made it clear he has not retired from international football. The Fulham shot-stopper, who has earned nine senior caps since his debut in 2016, confirmed he remains in contact with Germany’s goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg and maintains a positive relationship with Nagelsmann’s staff.
“Of course, I never said I was retiring; there was more media coverage. I made the decision and said I was more focused on Fulham than traveling with the DFB and then sitting on the bench or in the stands.” — Bernd Leno to Sport1
Leno added that there were “no issues” with Nagelsmann or the German Football Association and that everything was handled respectfully.
“I’m in contact with the goalkeeping coach. Everything was handled very respectfully. Julian Nagelsmann also said that no door is closed. Of course, the door hasn’t opened any further,” he said.
Still first choice at Fulham
Leno remains Marco Silva’s undisputed No.1 at Fulham and continues to impress with his consistency and leadership. The former Arsenal goalkeeper has been central to Fulham’s defensive structure this season, often keeping his side in games with crucial saves.
| Stat (2025/26) | Bernd Leno |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Clean Sheets | 2 |
| Saves per game | 4.3 |
| Save Percentage | 73% |
source: sofascore match data – 20 October 2025
The stats underline his importance to Fulham’s campaign, with Leno consistently among the top-performing goalkeepers outside the league’s traditional top six.
Our View: A balanced decision, not a closed chapter
In our view, Leno’s choice reflects a mature understanding of where he stands in the national setup. With Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen still in contention, breaking into Germany’s starting XI was always unlikely. By focusing on Fulham, he’s maintained elite form at club level rather than being a spectator for his country.
Still, his professionalism and communication with the DFB mean the door could reopen — especially if form or injuries shift the goalkeeping hierarchy before Euro 2028.
Analyst Verdict
I think Bernd Leno has handled his situation impeccably. Rather than publicly complaining about selection, he made a pragmatic choice that benefits both him and Fulham. If Nagelsmann values experience and consistency, Leno could easily be recalled in the near future.
As FootballPlace analyst John William puts it: “Leno’s honesty is refreshing — he’s still Germany quality, and if his form holds, the conversation about a recall will start naturally.”
Key Insights
- Bernd Leno explains his conscious decision to decline Germany call-up in 2024
- Says he’s “relaxed” and focused on Fulham but hasn’t retired from international duty
- Confirms positive contact with DFB goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg
- Nagelsmann reportedly told him “no door is closed” for future selection
- Leno remains Fulham’s first-choice goalkeeper with two clean sheets this season
What’s Next
Leno will continue as Fulham’s No.1 when they face Newcastle on 25 October. His consistent form could yet attract fresh interest from the national team if Germany reshuffles ahead of upcoming qualifiers.
For now, his focus remains clear: keep Fulham steady in mid-table and stay ready — just in case the phone rings from Berlin.
👉 Should Julian Nagelsmann consider recalling Bernd Leno for Germany’s next squad?
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