Football record champion: Neuer hints at career end: 'It looks very much like it'

Munich, Germany – Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has suggested that the current season will likely be his last in professional football. The 40-year-old FC Bayern Munich captain, preparing for his 21st professional season, expressed that while he doesn't play with the explicit intention of it being his final game, the signs point towards retirement.

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I don't play the games to say this is now my last game. Regardless of whether I might have been in one stadium or another for the last time, but it already looks very much like I will stop.

Neuer acknowledged that in 85% of similar situations, he might have retired. However, he cited the enjoyable atmosphere within the team, the coaching staff, and the club's consistent pursuit of titles as factors that kept him playing. He described these elements as belonging to the 15% that convinced him to continue.

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I would have stopped in 85 percent of cases, but with this team and with the staff and coaching team, it's just fun. We always have the opportunity to play for all titles and we are fully up to speed with the team.

Looking ahead, Neuer plans to mentor his designated successor, 22-year-old Jonas Urbig. He anticipates a similar dynamic to the previous season, where he, along with fellow goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and younger keepers, will support each other to ensure the team always has the best possible performance in goal. Neuer had previously confirmed his retirement from the German national team after their World Cup exit.

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This team, the squad and the structure, as we have it in the club, are among the 15 percent where I said I must definitely continue.

Both Neuer and Ulreich extended their contracts until 2027. Neuer emphasized the importance of mutual support and pushing each other to maintain a high standard for the goalkeeping position throughout the upcoming season.

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I think it will be similar to last season. We will support each other. We have a good goalkeeping team, also with Ulle and the young goalkeepers.