The 2025 Champions League final in Munich would be an absolutely fitting end to Germany’s record goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s great football career. But the 38-year-old will not be starting with such thoughts with FC Bayern in Europe’s premier class this evening (9 p.m.) against Dinamo Zagreb.
“It’s always a worthy end to the season,” said Neuer when asked about another final at home 13 years after the dramatic loss to Chelsea FC in 2012 as a possible career ending. “But then it would still go on because we’ll be playing in the Club World Cup afterwards,” added the captain, looking ahead to the tournament in the USA.
Did not start the season “to say goodbye”
No, Neuer doesn’t want to worry about speculation about his retirement at the end of the season when his contract in Munich expires. “I’ve already said that I’m not starting the season to say goodbye at the end and end my career,” he said. “I feel very good. I think I’m capable and playing at a good level. Time will tell how I’m physically, whether I enjoy it, whether I’m needed at the club. And then we’ll see.”
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The Champions League final in the Allianz Arena is nevertheless a special motivation for Neuer this season. “The most important thing is that the final is in Munich – and we want to get there. Everything else is secondary,” he said before the start of the new league phase: “We are looking forward to the season and will give everything to get there.”
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