Almost didn’t end up at Bayern: Neuer spills the beans | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer is inextricably linked with FC Bayern. Since moving to the club in the summer of 2011, the 2014 World Cup winner has shaped an entire era, winning the Champions League twice and developing into one of the best goalkeepers in soccer history. But now the 39-year-old has given a fascinating insight into how his career could have turned out differently

In the YouTube format „At Broski – Die Sport-Show“, Neuer spoke openly about his early days and revealed that well-known clubs were already courting him after the U19s. „After the U19s, 1. FC Köln was very interested in me – and Arsenal FC,“ Neuer revealed. The Gunners in particular had taken a liking to the then up-and-coming keeper. „Back then, Arsène Wenger was still a coach who spoke many languages,“ Neuer recalled

Schalke instead of abroad – a conscious decision

photo: IMAGO

Despite the options, Neuer decided to stay at FC Schalke 04. He had enjoyed his soccer education at the legendary Knappenschmiede and finally made his debut in the Bundesliga in 2006. Looking back, it was a groundbreaking decision that laid the foundation for his extraordinary career

The big step followed in the summer of 2011 with the move to FC Bayern – a transfer that polarized at the time, but paid off in sporting terms. In Munich, Neuer met numerous companions from the national team. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Müller and Philipp Lahm in particular had campaigned hard for him internally. „They were already courting me a lot,“ Neuer let on

A career for the history books

What followed is well documented: two Champions League titles, numerous championships and now 581 competitive matches in the jersey of the German record champions. Neuer not only became a sporting icon, but also shaped an entire generation of goalkeepers with his style of play

However, it remains to be seen what the future holds for him. The veteran’s contract expires and a decision on his future has yet to be made. One thing is clear, however: Neuer has long been thinking beyond his own career horizon. „I now also see it as my responsibility to support the club in such a way that things continue positively in the goalkeeping position in the future,“ he explained. Together with Sven Ulreich and Jonas Urbig, they form „a unit“

It remains to be seen whether Neuer will continue his career at FC Bayern or start a new chapter soon, but one thing is certain: a different decision at a young age would have been enough – and one of the greatest Bayern careers of all time might never have happened.