Manuel Neuer Considers Retirement Next Summer

Manuel Neuer has indicated that he may retire from professional football next summer. Speaking at the start of the training camp in Tegernsee, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper remarked, "It looks very much like I will be stopping."

However, the captain of the German record champions was hesitant to make a definitive statement. "I don’t play the games to say, this is now my last game. Regardless of whether I might have been in some stadium for the last time, let’s see how it goes," Neuer elaborated.

Neuer Approaches 21st Bundesliga Season

At 40 years old, Neuer is set to embark on his 21st Bundesliga season, with this being his 16th at Bayern Munich. Throughout his illustrious career, he has secured 13 Bundesliga titles, seven DFB-Pokal victories, and two Champions League trophies. Neuer also played a pivotal role in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph. Before joining Bayern, he represented Schalke 04 until 2011.

Reflecting on his decision to continue playing, Neuer stated, "I might have retired in 85 percent of the cases, but in this team, with the staff and coaching team, it’s just enjoyable. We always have the opportunity to compete for all titles, and we are fully in sync with the team." He emphasized that the team’s structure and environment were significant factors in his choice to keep playing, saying, "This team, the squad, and the structure we have at the club are part of the 15 percent where I said I definitely have to continue."

Looking ahead, Neuer's successor at Bayern is expected to be 22-year-old Jonas Urbig. The young goalkeeper made 14 Bundesliga appearances last season, largely due to Neuer's injuries. Neuer confirmed that Urbig will likely have similar opportunities in the upcoming season: "I think it will be similar to how it was last season."