Neuer celebrates Bayern's DFB-Pokal win, equaling record

Manuel Neuer joined the on-field celebrations after Bayern Munich secured their DFB-Pokal title, dancing with his teammates despite a calf injury that kept him from playing. The veteran goalkeeper later lifted the trophy as captain amidst a shower of golden confetti.

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I was so looking forward to this final. I wanted to make the fans proud. A hat-trick in the final in such a special game is a special feeling. I am very proud of it after a long season. To end it like this is perfect.

Bayern's 3-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart, sealed by a Harry Kane hat-trick, marked Neuer's seventh Pokal triumph, drawing him level with Bastian Schweinsteiger as the record holder. This win also saw him equal Thomas Müller's record for the most Bundesliga titles with his 13th championship. The 40-year-old's participation in the final was from the stands due to his injury.

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We absolutely wanted to win this thing - for us, our families, and the club, because it is something special.

Neuer's return to the German national team, announced by coach Julian Nagelsmann, comes after a two-year hiatus from international play. He is expected to be Germany's goalkeeper at the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. His calf injury is not anticipated to impede his national team comeback.

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We wanted to win. We didn't manage it. But we can still be proud, because we played a great season.

Despite the celebrations, Neuer had to watch his team's decisive match from the stands. The win secured Bayern's 21st Pokal title and completed their season after an earlier Bundesliga championship and a Champions League semi-final exit. The victory ensured the season would be remembered positively, avoiding the "bitter aftertaste" Kane mentioned if they had lost the final.

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There are worse things than losing to Bayern. We caused them problems for a long time.