'It could be my last': Manuel Neuer hints at retirement after upcoming season
Berlin, July 29
Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer indicated that the upcoming campaign is likely to be the final season of his career after the veteran goalkeeper returned to training at the club's preseason camp in Tegernsee.
The 40-year-old rejoined Bayern's training camp alongside several internationals following Germany's World Cup exit.
Neuer told reporters that retirement had been a serious consideration before he decided to continue playing.
"It looks very much like I will retire after the season," while stressing that he was not approaching matches as farewell occasions. "I don't think about whether it could be my last season when I play."
Neuer revealed that he had been close to ending his career this summer but chose to continue because of the atmosphere within the club. "I would probably have retired in 85 percent of cases, but with this team, the staff and the coaching group it is simply fun. We always have the opportunity to compete for every title," he said as quoted by Xinhua.
Neuer admitted that the disappointment of Germany's World Cup exit had been difficult to accept but said his focus had already shifted back to Bayern's new campaign.
"We all hoped for more. Now we have new goals and want to achieve a lot with the club," he added.
The Bayern captain said the club enters the new season with confidence after retaining the core of the squad and adding further quality through new signings. "We are very happy," We have kept the core of the team together. The new arrivals add further quality and should make us even stronger," he said.
He also insisted that the squad's ambitions extended beyond repeating last season's achievements. "We want to beat everyone. The motivation is there throughout the squad. We want to achieve even more than last season," Neuer said.
Neuer added that Bayern's goalkeeping group, including Jonas Urbig and Sven Ulreich, would continue working closely together.
"We support each other and push each other," he said. "Our job is always to give the best possible performances for the team," he concluded.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, even as a fan of German football, I think it's the right time. After that World Cup disaster, maybe better to go out on a high with Bayern. He's been a machine, but every legend has to hang up gloves eventually. Good luck for the season!
Class act. The way he talks about team spirit and supporting each other—that's what makes a great captain. Even at 40, he's still setting standards. I just hope Bayern give him a proper send-off and maybe one more Champions League.
It's bittersweet to see him go. I remember watching him in the 2014 World Cup—what a performance! But I think it's more about emotional attachment than logic now. Bayern have good backups. Still, will miss that unique style of his.
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