Bayern's Neuer Vows to Play On Beyond this Season

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said he will not retire at season's end, despite stepping down from international football - AFP
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said he will not retire at season's end, despite stepping down from international football - AFP
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Bayern's Neuer Vows to Play On Beyond this Season

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said he will not retire at season's end, despite stepping down from international football - AFP
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said he will not retire at season's end, despite stepping down from international football - AFP

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said Sunday he plans to play on beyond the current season, despite retiring from international football earlier this week.

Neuer's contract at Bayern runs until the end of the campaign.

In an interview with German sports magazine Kicker, Neuer said: "I'm not going into this season with the idea of saying goodbye afterwards...

"If we successfully complete the season with the new coaching team and with new momentum, that means I'll be having fun.

"And if it's fun, I'll definitely carry on."

According to AFP, the 38-year-old said Wednesday he felt capable of playing for Germany until the 2026 World Cup, but said he was stepping down to focus on Bayern.

"Of course there's a bit of sadness with the decision, but at the same time there's a lot of relief," the 2014 World Cup winner said.

Neuer said discussions about an extension at Bayern were "a long way off" but added "the time will come".

Goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel, who has a contract with Bayern until 2029 but is currently on loan at Stuttgart until 2026, is widely believed to be in line to replace Neuer in Munich.

Neuer joined Bayern from boyhood club Schalke in 2011 and has won 11 Bundesliga titles with the Bavarian side, along with the Champions League twice.

Bayern's Allianz Arena will host this season's Champions League final.

Neuer is the third 2014 World Cup winner to retire from Germany duty this summer, after Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller.

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan, who missed the 2014 World Cup through injury, also stepped down from international football this week.



Man Utd’s Garnacho Could Become World Class, Ten Hag Says

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)
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Man Utd’s Garnacho Could Become World Class, Ten Hag Says

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)

Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has the potential to become a world class player if he keeps working hard, manager Erik ten Hag said ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Garnacho, 20, assisted United forward Joshua Zirkzee's debut goal in their 1-0 league opener win against Fulham and scored in the Community Shield against Manchester City, which United lost on penalties.

The Argentina international, alongside Kobbie Mainoo, also scored in United's 2-1 FA Cup victory over City and provided many bright moments with seven league goals in United's lackluster season, as they finished eighth.

"To make that jump to being a world-class player, he has a long way to go. It starts with hard work," Ten Hag told reporters. "That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world class player because I agree he has the potential."

"We need (exciting players) but I think every team at the top needs a player with the X factor. Garnacho definitely has it in him to become that player. If you want to be that player - world class - then you have to do it consistently and he has a high potential, 100%."

United's 19-year-old midfielder Mainoo wrapped up England's Euro 2024 campaign as a key player in former England manager Gareth Southgate's squad and Ten Hag said the experience has honed Mainoo's skills.

"Those experiences will only help him become a better player (this season). A perfect midfielder is one who is very good in attacking and very good in defending. He is a player who can do it, and he can play as an attacking midfielder and as a holding midfielder."