Neuer: I'll just watch the World Cup
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has not changed his mind, but at the same time, he is not feeling pressured by the ongoing debate about whether he should reverse his international retirement and play in this summer's World Cup. Neuer, who recently turned 40, confirmed in an interview with ZDF television late Saturday that he will not return, while also denying any rift with coach Julian Nagelsmann.Neuer said: "The World Cup will take place, but I'm not involved at all at the moment and I'm not part of any of it, so I'm just watching from the sidelines. My focus is simply on Bayern Munich, as I've said many times, and it's really enjoyable to be part of the team; it's great to be competing for everything. We have many important and crucial matches coming up, and I'm just trying to enjoy it with the team right now."
It is worth noting that Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, retired from international football with Germany after Euro 2024. Speculation about his return began when the new first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, suffered a series of injuries, while Neuer continued to perform at the highest level, as seen in his team's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League last week.
Neuer has always ruled out a comeback, but he also denied a statement by former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus that his relationship with Nagelsmann was strained. Neuer said: "We don't have a bad relationship, quite a good one. But whatever people say about it from the outside, I don't think he cares, and neither do I, and that's why I think we're handling it calmly."
Neuer reiterated that he will decide in the coming weeks whether he wants to renew his contract for another season with Bayern Munich, who are aiming for the treble and seem ready to offer him a new deal. He indicated that he wants to enjoy the upcoming matches: "Then I'll think more about how I feel when the time comes to decide. And then I'll make a decision, just as the club will."
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