Saturday May 17 2008 12:44
Goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand has spoken of his shock at being omitted from Germany's plans for this summer's European Championships.
The 29-year-old Valencia star was expected to be named as a back-up to Jens Lehmann, but has missed out altogether on a place in Joachim Low's squad.
Hilebrand told his personal website: "Goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke called me and informed me that the national team's coaching team had decided not to nominate me for the upcoming European Championships.
"I am surprised, shocked and irritated. Obviously, there is nothing I can do but accept this decision as it is, but I cannot understand it.
"I have been in the squad for all the qualifying matches and there was no criticism of my performance and no indication that it was not enough.
"For this, not being picked is completely unexpected and comes from out of nowhere."
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