Germany's all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history has explained why he thinks manager Joachim Low snubbed Manchester City star Leroy Sane for Russia 2018.
Low Explains Shock Sane Snub For WC Squad
The 22-year-old, who had an outstanding 2017/18 campaign with the Citizens, saw Bayer Leverkusen's Julian Brandt get the nod ahead of him in Die Mannschaft's squad for the tournament, and Miroslav Klose, a 2014 World Cup winner and now coach in the national team's set up, has backed Low's decision to leave the City star at home.
"Leroy knows he is incredibly talented, he has the speed that you rarely see anywhere," Klose told German publication Sport Bild.
"He has made his mark over in the Premier League. However, to be honest, he has had a lot of playing time with us in training and games, but he has not caught fire as often with us as in the Premier League."
Klose also commend the manner in which Sane responded to the rejection.
"I thought it was really amazing how he reacted," the 39-year-old added.
"He did not complain but announced that he wanted to look for a new chance in the national team after the World Cup.
"It was a very close decision. He accepts this very positively. He knows that he has to draw his conclusions from why it happened, but I am glad he has accepted it."
Germany's World Cup Snubbed XI
Sane made 49 appearances for the Citizens in the past campaign, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further 19 strikes.
What is your take on the young City star's failure to make the Germany squad for Russia 2018? Have your say in the comments section below.