Neuer reveals his possible retirement date

Veteran German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, captain of Bayern Munich, has revealed for the first time when he might end his illustrious career, indicating that retirement at the end of next season is a strong possibility . Neuer joined Bayern Munich's preseason training camp in Tegernsee, preparing for his 21st season in the Bundesliga, including 16 seasons with the Bavarian club and five with Schalke . In an interview with the German newspaper Bild after his first training session, the 40-year-old was asked if he would wait until the end of the season to decide on extending his contract or retiring in the summer of 2027. He replied: "I don't go into matches thinking they'll be my last, whether at a specific stadium or in general. But this time, it seems very likely that I'll end my career and retire ." Neuer renewed his contract with Bayern Munich for an additional season last May, after spending months seriously considering ending his career. He explained that the decision to continue wasn't easy, saying, "At that time, I was about 85% inclined to retire, but being with this team and the coaching staff gives me great pleasure. We always have the ability to compete for all titles, and the quality of the team was the reason that motivated me to continue ." The goalkeeper, who has won the World's Best Goalkeeper award five times, added, "I continue to play out of personal passion, and because I know I can still help the team, in addition to the great support I receive from my family and friends." Neuer hopes to end his career in the best possible way by leading Bayern Munich to the Champions League title in the final scheduled for June 5, 2027, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, adding a third continental title to his record after winning in 2013 and 2020, in a perfect end to a career that is considered one of the most prominent in the history of goalkeepers .