MUNICH, July 29 — Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has indicated that the coming season is likely to be the last of his career, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Neuer said he was not approaching matches as farewell appearances, although “it does look very likely that I will retire.”
The 40-year-old is entering his 21st season as a professional.
The 2014 World Cup winner took his time before signing his latest contract extension.
“In perhaps 85 per cent of cases, I would have stopped,” Neuer said on Tuesday as Bayern began pre-season preparations.
“But with this team, the staff, and the coaching team, it is simply a lot of fun. We always have the chance to compete for every title and this squad is right at the highest level.”
Neuer said the team and the structure at Bayern represented “the 15 per cent” that convinced him to carry on.
Neuer is expected to play a role in developing Jonas Urbig, 22, who has been lined up as his long-term successor and could receive more playing time this season.
“I think it will be similar to last season. We will support each other,” Neuer said, also referring to Sven Ulreich and Bayern’s younger goalkeepers.
Neuer retired from international football after Germany’s World Cup exit. — Bernama-dpa
