by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Manuel Neuer has raised hopes that he could continue his career for another year.
The 40-year-old said he would announce his final decision before the 2026 German Cup final on May 23, but added, "Things are looking good."
The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner spoke with obvious enthusiasm about his club's return after a six-year drought.
The 124-capped Neuer carried a photo of Berlin's Olympic Stadium and a Bayern fan choreography. "I have been missing this special game, the final in Berlin," he said.
Wearing a T-shirt with the inscription "Guess who's back," the former Germany goalkeeper spoke about how much he is still enjoying playing despite his age and a long career that began in 2005 with Schalke.
The six-time German Cup winner praised the positive atmosphere within Bayern's squad and said, "Something has developed."
While fans and the club hope to receive his approval for a contract extension soon, the situation appears clear. Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl has said the goalkeeper no longer needs to prove his quality, only to stay healthy.
Media reports say Bayern has already prepared a contract for Neuer to sign, but the club is leaving the decision to him.
"It's not only the players on the pitch, but it's also the entire squad's energy. We benefit from each other and have a lot of fun together with our entire staff," the 13-time German champion said, adding that his final word is expected before the final.
Bayern supervisory board member Uli Hoeness has expressed his wish for Neuer to stay and, in what could be his final season, act as a mentor to his successor, 22-year-old Jonas Urbig.
Bayern's plan is to give Urbig more playing time while maintaining the highest training standards with its long-time No. 1 still at the club.
After UEFA Euro 2024, Bayern's first-choice goalkeeper retired from the national team to focus entirely on club duties.
Although rumors persist about a return for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neuer said he is focused only on Bayern's aim of winning the treble this season.
After sealing the league title last weekend, the German record cup winner with 20 titles is approaching its 25th German Cup final, while also preparing for Champions League semifinals against PSG on April 28 and May 6.
Neuer said the treble is on Bayern's mind, despite "us facing one of the World's best sides in the Champions League semis." He promised intense matches against PSG and hard work in the German Cup final, with Bayern still waiting to learn its opponent as VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg meet on Thursday. ■
