“I am Schalke”: Neuer Talks About His Future Ahead of an Emotional Return | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer has an extraordinary Bundesliga match on the schedule for Saturday night. The FC Bayern captain is returning with the German record champions to FC Schalke 04—the very place where his impressive career once began. For the 40-year-old, the match could even be one of his last opportunities to take the field as a professional at the Veltins-Arena.

Neuer was born in Gelsenkirchen, came up through all of the Royal Blues’ youth teams, and made the jump to the pros in 2005. Six years later, he transferred to FC Bayern and went on to become one of the most successful goalkeepers in soccer history in Munich.

Despite having spent 15 years with the record-holding champions, Neuer has never lost his connection to Schalke. Ahead of Saturday’s match (6:30 p.m.), the Bayern captain spoke to DAZN about the special significance of his return.

“Of course, this is a dream come true, especially since it could be my last season. Being able to play at the Veltins-Arena one more time is something very special to me.”

Neuer Leaves the End of His Career Open

Neuer’s mention of a possible retirement is particularly interesting. His contract with FC Bayern runs through next summer. The 40-year-old has not yet made a final decision about his future.

That makes the away game at Schalke all the more emotional for him. But Neuer is by no means ready to hand his former club a gift just yet.

“I’m the biggest Schalke fan when they play against Dortmund. But of course, I want to win and keep a clean sheet,” the Bayern captain explained with a wink.

The fact that the Royal Blues have long been a sporting rival for him doesn’t change his emotional connection to the club and the city. Neuer would love to see Schalke back in the Bundesliga for good.

“For me, the club simply belongs in the Bundesliga. I grew up there; my family is from there,” he emphasized.

Neuer now describes his own identity as a blend of both worlds: “I am Gelsenkirchen, I am Schalke, but I also have that Bavarian sense of warmth and calm.”

“A legend of German soccer”

Photo: IMAGO

FC Bayern is also well aware of how important this match is to Neuer. Sporting director Christoph Freund paid tribute to the 40-year-old ahead of his return to his former home.

“Manu has been through a lot; he’s 40 years old and still playing at an incredible level. Nevertheless, it’s certainly a special game for him,” Freund explained at the press conference.

For the Bayern sporting director, the match in Gelsenkirchen brings things full circle, so to speak: “He matured at Schalke and came to FC Bayern from there. There’s a special connection; he’s also very socially involved there.”

Freund also described Neuer as a “legend of German soccer” and emphasized: “It’s a wonderful story that he’s returning there.”

On Saturday, Neuer’s emotions are sure to run high. By the time the whistle blows, however, they’ll likely take a back seat. Then, the longtime Schalke player will be looking to secure three points with FC Bayern—and, ideally, cap off his very personal return to Gelsenkirchen with a clean sheet.