manuel neuer signals
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Manuel Neuer signals likely retirement at season’s end

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has said it is “very likely” he will retire at the conclusion of the upcoming campaign, bringing an end to a career that has defined modern goalkeeping.

Speaking at Bayern’s training camp in southern Bavaria, the 40‑year‑old confirmed that his one‑year contract extension signed in May would almost certainly be his last. “It certainly looks very likely I’m going to retire,” Neuer told reporters, adding that the strength of the current squad convinced him to play one more season.

Neuer has battled recurring muscle injuries but remains a key figure for Bayern, who won the Bundesliga and German Cup double last season before falling to Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League semi‑finals. He missed the German Cup final against Stuttgart, with Jonas Urbig deputising in goal.

The 2014 World Cup winner retired from international football after Euro 2024 but briefly returned for the most recent World Cup, where Germany exited in the last 32 against Paraguay.

Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer has collected 13 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and two Champions League crowns. Despite hinting at retirement, he insisted the coming season would not be treated as a farewell tour. “I’m not playing these matches just to say, ‘This is my last game,’” he said.

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