Neuer's Müller plea: "Thomas simply belongs at Bayern"
German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer firmly believes that he will continue to play with his long-time companion Thomas Müller in Munich beyond the current season. "Thomas Müller simply belongs to Bayern Munich," said the 37-year-old Neuer after the German champions' 0-0 draw against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The day before the game, Bayern had announced the extension of captain Neuer's contract by a further year until June 2025. Müller's (34) current contract expires at the end of this season. "We know and appreciate his class," Neuer said to Müller: "I assume that if Thomas talks to Bayern and Bayern talks to Thomas, it will work." Neuer and Müller have won the treble twice (2013, 2020) during their time together at Bayern. They also became world champions together in 2014.
Neuer himself has not set himself a deadline for his career after his successful comeback following a serious leg fracture. "I want to play for as long as I enjoy it. It didn't take me long to realize that it means that I will continue until 2025," he said.
Neuer proved his class again against Copenhagen when he saved twice within seconds from a corner kick against Copenhagen's Mohamed Elyounoussi shortly before the end of normal time. First, Neuer saved a header from the attacker with his hand on the line. Then he saved the follow-up shot with his foot. "It was more or less billiards in front of goal," Neuer commented on the scene.
However, the long-serving number one did not want to classify the action as a bid for a national team comeback. With a view to the home European Championships next summer and the first international matches in 2024 at the end of March, he reiterated his ambitions to return. "There is no agreement," said Neuer in reference to national coach Julian Nagelsmann. But he added: "We all assume that if everything goes normally, I'll be back."
In the same Champions League group, FC Bayern Munich will face FC Copenhagen once more. During their previous encounter, Manuel Neuer showcased his impressive skills, saving two shots from Mohamed Elyounoussi in quick succession, demonstrating why he and Müller have been vital to Bayern's success in competitions like the Champions League.
Source: www.dpa.com
