Kimmich criticizes Leno for turning down Germany call-up
| Joshua Kimmich. | Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno recently confirmed that he turned down a call-up to the German national team this month because he was told he was unlikely to get the chance to play.
“They told me I was in, but I wouldn't get to play. That's why I decided to train in London. Julian knows that I'm always there when they need me and when I can really help the team. At 32 years old, however, I'm no longer a newcomer," Leno told Sport Bild.
The decision has now come under fire from Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, who believes it should always be an honor to be part of the Germany squad.
"If someone doesn't want to be there, they don't have to come. We have enough other players who are very happy to be there," Kimmich told German media at the national team camp.
"It should be something very special for everyone to be part of the DFB team."
Several players have been forced to withdraw from the squad through injury, with Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Robin Koch and David Raum replaced by Jamie Leweling, Jonathan Burkardt, Kevin Schade and Robin Gosens.
"We have new faces now and we're hoping for a lot from them. They bring energy and hunger," said Kimmich.
