Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has told BILD that he would turn down a call-up to the German national squad again if he wasn’t guaranteed playing time.

Leno’s decision to reject a call-up from Julian Nagelsmann last month caused consternation at home, but the former Arsenal goalkeeper said he would make the same choice unless he was likely to add to his nine senior caps.

The 32 year-old said:

“Yes, I would [do exactly the same]. It was clear to me that there would be discussions. Although I did find it extreme in the end. I told Julian Nagelsmann openly and honestly that I did not see myself as number three with no prospect of playing.

I have great respect for him and think that he is a very good national coach. That is why it is important for me to be honest with him. What was overlooked in some reports is that I had also told Julian and [goalkeeping coach] Andreas [Kronenberg] that I am always there when I am really needed and that I am absolutely proud to play for Germany.

That was our last contact [with Nagelsmann]. After that I had another phone call with Andreas. But my opinion hasn’t changed. I believe that my decision was respected, even if of course nobody was happy about it. But I didn’t act out of emotion: I had given a lot of thought to the constellation in which I wanted to be there, how I see myself personally.”