It was in 2013 when Bayern Munich lined up against VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final to win an unprecedented first treble. Manuel Neuer faced off against Sven Ulreich in goal as the tired but invincible Bavarians managed to overcome Die Schwäben and the entire team, including Neuer, wrote themselves into the history books. 11 years on, so much has changed at Bayern, but Neuer’s invincible reign in goal has not.
Speaking to Maxmilian Koch of Abendzeitung, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, Ulreich, now a member of the Bayern squad, was quizzed on whether a now 38-year-old Neuer had it in him to play until he is 40. His answer was rather straightforward: “Manu is in top shape, he played an outstanding European Championship. It’s rare for someone of this age to perform at such a top, top level. He can play for a few more years if he wants to.”
Neuer may now resemble the version of himself Ulreich saw in that final all those years ago: Tired, after all the years of playing football, but still invincible. How long that invincibility lasts will determine how long Neuer’s career will last and even if he keeps playing into his 40s.
