Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from the German national team last week, to rapturous applause and appreciation for his services to Die Mannschaft. However, what does this mean for his Bayern Munich future?
Before that, Neuer has not ruled out doing a Toni Kroos, wherein the former Real Madrid star came back after initially retiring (subsequently hanging up his boots for good). “As I have already described, I have given a lot to German football, but I have also received a lot”, Neuer said (Kicker via @iMiaSanMia). “All the experiences and adventures I have had with the national team have also contributed to my personality. Many friendships have been formed and many people will continue to be part of my life. That’s why you should never rule something like that out, and I will not rule it that. Nevertheless, it was a clear and conscious decision for me”.
Photo by Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images
The 38-year-old said that win at Finale Dahoam in the new season (and format) of the Champions League is the ultimate goal left after heartbreak 13 years ago. “First of all, we had a trophyless season behind us. And anyone who knows the club knows that we don’t want to let that happen. We need to work on that now – we’ve taken the first steps. Now we need to take it into the season with momentum and self-confidence.
“Maybe it’s not such a bad thing for me personally that I’ll have time off during the international breaks to regenerate and mentally focus on going all out and hopefully making the season a success. There’s something big coming up in the summer: the Champions League final at home. Thomas Müller and I are the only ones who were there in 2012 against Chelsea. We know what that final meant to the city, the fans and us players. We need to do everything we can to get there again.”
Neuer is also relaxed about a contract extension and maintains a good relationship with his understudy Alexander Nübel.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s Champions League draw, the latest German national team call-ups by Julian Nagelsmann, and some last minute news on Bayern Munich’s summer transfer window deadline outlook? Awesome, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
