Mats Hummels delighted to be back in the Germany squad for the Euros

Mats Hummels is delighted to be back in the Germany squad and feels that his recall to the national team is a reward for all the hard work he has put in since being dropped in March 2019.

Mats Hummels, along with then Bayern Munich teammates Thomas Müller and Jerome Boateng, was told by Germany head coach Joachim Löw in March 2019 that he would no longer be considered for national team selection. The 32 year old has now said that the decision definitely hurt him. But it also gave him the determination to force his way back into the squad.

The Borussia Dortmund defender spoke at a press conference from Germany’s training base in Seefeld on Monday.

"“Of course you question yourself when a decision like that hits you. It felt like a personal defeat and it hurt. But I had set myself the goal at the time to work my way back, out of ambition, but also because it’s an honor to play for Germany. And now it’s a nice recognition of the work I’ve put in and delivered since March 2019.”"

Hummels added that there have never been any problems with Joachim Löw, and also revealed that they have been in contact over the last six months.

"“There was never a problem between us. Over the past six months, we’ve exchanged messages from time to time, and we’ve even had a few phone calls. The final decision was made only two weeks before the nomination. Löw said I still have a lot to give to the team. I was immediately up for it.”"

Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller have both been named in Germany’s 26-man squad for the upcoming European Championships. And the duo will certainly have a crucial role to play during the tournament, as Die Mannschaft look to overcome the challenge of France, Portugal and Hungary in the group stage.

Hummels believes that Germany have the quality to make it through the group stage and go deep into the tournament. “If we bring our qualities on the pitch, we will prevail in the group. We want to reach our level by the first game on June 15. I see a lot of good people here in the team who want to be successful.”

Hummels, who has won 70 international caps, could make his first appearance for Germany since November 2018 as they take on Denmark in a warm-up game on Wednesday. Germany open their Euro 2020 campaign against 2018 World Cup winners France in Munich on June 15.