I'm not going into the season to say goodbye afterwards

Deciding to say goodbye after 15 years and 124 international matches was certainly not easy for Manuel Neuer, the iconic goalkeeper of the German national team.

Reflecting on his decision to retire from international football, Neuer admitted that it was a complex and emotional choice. "I feel very good about it because it is a conscious decision of mine," Neuer shared. "Of course, there is also a bit of melancholy, but at the same time, a lot of relief." His departure from the national team marks the end of an era, one that has seen him win numerous accolades and establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Neuer revealed that the decision to retire from international duty had been on his mind since the European Championship. After Germany's disappointing exit from the tournament, he began to consider his future. "It was a process," the 38-year-old explained. "Such a decision is not made overnight. After the serious injury, my focus was on fighting my way back and doing everything to manage to be in the German goal again. During that time, there wasn't a single second when I thought about the end of my national team career. That only came while I was on vacation after the bitter exit from the European Championship at home. I discussed it with my closest confidants, with my family and friends, and especially thought about how things could go on from here." Ultimately, Neuer concluded that stepping away from the national team was the right decision for him at this stage of his career.

The Question About the Future in Munich

With his international career now behind him, Neuer's focus shifts to his future at FC Bayern Munich. As a key figure at the club for over a decade, the question of what this decision means for his role at Bayern has naturally arisen. His contract with the club runs until the summer of 2025, giving him some time to decide his next steps. Neuer remains open to the idea of continuing his career beyond his current contract, depending on how the season unfolds. "If we have a successful season with the new coaching team and renewed energy, that also means it’s enjoyable for me," Neuer said. "And when it’s fun, then I will definitely continue."

Despite his openness to the future, Neuer is also pragmatic. "While he doesn't want to rule anything out in football because 'you never know what will happen,'" says the five-time World Goalkeeper of the Year, "I’m not going into the season with the thought of saying goodbye afterward." This mindset highlights Neuer's commitment to focusing on the present and taking things one step at a time.

Throughout the season, Neuer will engage in concrete discussions with FC Bayern's management about his future. He is in no rush to make any decisions and is content to let things unfold naturally. "I am in daily contact with the coach, Christoph Freund, and Max Eberl," Neuer explains. "At the moment, I feel good and think that everyone is very satisfied with me. The question of when to deal with future issues is still far away. But the time will come." His relaxed approach indicates his confidence in his current position at the club and his belief that decisions about his future will come at the right time.

Good Relationship with Nübel

An interesting aspect of Neuer's future at Bayern is the club's long-term planning, especially considering the presence of Alexander Nübel. FC Bayern recently extended Nübel’s contract until 2029, even though he is currently on loan at VfB Stuttgart for another year. This move has raised questions about Nübel’s potential role as Neuer’s successor. However, Neuer does not view Nübel as a threat or a determining factor in his own career decisions. "I don’t think that the continuation of my career is connected with Alex Nübel," Neuer stated.

Instead of seeing Nübel as competition, Neuer emphasized their good relationship. "I have a very good relationship with Alex and was happy to see him at the national team. We had fun training together. There is nothing that stands between us." Neuer’s comments suggest a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, highlighting his professionalism and team spirit. It’s clear that Neuer values the camaraderie and mutual respect among goalkeepers at the club, focusing more on team success than personal rivalries.

As Neuer looks ahead, his focus remains on contributing to Bayern Munich’s success and enjoying his football. Whether this season marks the beginning of a new chapter or the continuation of an illustrious career, Neuer's legacy is already firmly established. His thoughtful approach to retirement and his future plans reflect his experience and dedication to the sport he loves. For now, fans can continue to watch and appreciate one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time as he navigates the next phase of his remarkable journey.