Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno revealed that despite talking to head coach Julian Nagelsmann, he decided not to join the current Germany squad after being told he wouldn’t play in any matches.

Speaking to the German outlet Bild, Leno confirmed a phone call with the Mannschaft boss, describing their conversations as “open and honest.” He emphasized that Nagelsmann “knows I’m always available when they need me” and that he can “bring a lot to the team.” However, at 32, Leno made it clear that he's no longer "the new guy," and while he’s never demanded the starting spot, he has always “delivered” and never “complained.”

“After all my matches in the Bundesliga, the Premier League, and internationally, Julian knows what I bring to the table. It’s always a huge honor to play for the national team, and that’s still my goal. But I decided to stay in London and train,” the goalkeeper explained.

Leno’s potential return to the Germany squad—having earned nine caps and been part of two Euros—comes in light of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen’s serious injury. Ter Stegen suffered a full tear of the patellar tendon in his right knee, sidelining him for several months. Their personal relationship has often been a talking point in Germany, as both Leno and Ter Stegen belong to the same generation and have spent much of their international careers playing second fiddle to Manuel Neuer.