Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been named his country's captain in the wake of Bastian Schweinsteiger's retirement, and says he wants to follow in the footsteps of the Manchester United midfielder.
Schweinsteiger played his last match for the World Cup winners on Wednesday, calling curtains on a great career in a friendly against Finland.
Speaking via theofficial websiteof the German FA, ahead of Germany's World Cup qualifying match against Norway, the new captain said that he was proud to be given the armband, and was hopeful of emulating former captain Philipp Lahm, as well asSchweinsteiger.
"We have a very good team council and I already had an important role in the team and in the council," said Neuer.
"I don't think that being captain will lead to any big changes for me. After all, I've already stood in for Bastian Schweinsteiger a few times.
"I'm very proud to now be captain of the national team. Lahm and Schweinsteiger have done a lot of good work, and I just hope that I can grow into the role and follow in their footsteps.
"We've successfully introduced lots of young players to the national team over the last few years. I will try to make sure they are integrated into the group and feel at home.
"That's always worked well up to now, which you can see in the performances of the young players. I try to pass on our values to them, as professional players have to be role models for children and young people. You have to behave responsibly both on and off the pitch as well."