Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer has once more brushed aside rumors regarding a potential return to the national team for the upcoming World Cup, and he has not clarified whether he intends to continue playing beyond this season.
There have been suggestions that the 2014 World Cup champion Neuer should be approached to reclaim his position for Germany if Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen does not gain enough playtime upon his return from injury or is unable to participate at all.
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After Bayern’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory against St Pauli on Saturday, Neuer stated that he is not contemplating a comeback from his retirement from the national team last year.
«The fact is I stepped down on purpose. My complete attention is on the club,» Neuer informed Sky TV.
Oliver Baumann from Hoffenheim participated in all six World Cup qualifiers in which Germany secured direct qualification for the 2026 tournament scheduled in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The group draw will take place this Friday in Washington.
Next year, Neuer will be turning 40, and he has left the possibility of extending his contract for another year at Bayern, where he has been since 2011, enjoying a career filled with trophies, including trebles in 2013 and 2020.
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He mentioned that he is uncertain about his decision and that any resolution would not occur before March, as «it will depend on how I feel, particularly in the latter part of the season.»
Young Jonas Urbig, who was signed in January, has stepped in several times and serves as the primary backup. Bayern also retains German international Alexander Nübel and Israel’s Daniel Peretz, who are currently on loan at VfB Stuttgart and SV Hamburg, respectively.
