Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich's Goalkeeper, Commits to Continuing his Career Beyond This Season

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced that he intends to continue playing beyond the current season, despite his recent retirement from international football. Neuer's contract with Bayern is set to expire at the end of the campaign. In a recent interview with German sports magazine Kicker, Neuer expressed his desire to keep playing, stating, "I am not approaching this season with the mindset of retiring afterwards. If we have a successful season under the new coaching staff and with fresh momentum, I will continue to enjoy playing. As long as it remains enjoyable, I will definitely continue my career on the field."

The 38-year-old said Wednesday he felt capable of playing for Germany until the 2026 World Cup, but said he was stepping down to focus on Bayern.

"Of course there's a bit of sadness with the decision, but at the same time there's a lot of relief," the 2014 World Cup winner said.

Neuer said discussions about an extension at Bayern were "a long way off" but added "the time will come".

Goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel, who has a contract with Bayern until 2029 but is currently on loan at Stuttgart until 2026, is widely believed to be in line to replace Neuer in Munich.

Neuer joined Bayern from boyhood club Schalke in 2011 and has won 11 Bundesliga titles with the Bavarian side, along with the Champions League twice.

Bayern's Allianz Arena will host this season's Champions League final.

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Neuer is the third 2014 World Cup winner to retire from Germany duty this summer, after Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller.

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Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan, who missed the 2014 World Cup through injury, also stepped down from international football this week.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)