Legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has advised the ageing Manuel Neuer to hang up his gloves before he gets sidelined with another injury.
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Kahn wants Neuer to retireSays Bayern goalkeeper has nothing left to proveNoted fitness would be a challenge at his ageFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The former Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper has advised Neuer to call time on his career before he suffers another injury. Kahn pointed out that the 39-year-old had nothing left to prove and that there's no point in prolonging his career if he'll miss the most important games out injured.
AdvertisementImago ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Neuer agreed to a one-year contract extension in late 2024, which will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season. Neuer will be 40 by then, and the Bavarians expect the next season to be Neuer's last. In recent years, the ex-German international has grown incredibly prone to injuries. Last season, he suffered a broken rib in December, followed by a muscle tear injury in March which saw him miss 10 games for Bayern. It is expected that winter arrival Jonas Urbig, who is 21 years old and made eight Bundesliga appearances, will start more games despite not meeting expectations in his first six months.
WHAT OLIVER KAHN SAID
Speaking to , Kahn said: "The susceptibility to injury is greater. Manuel can still show his qualities. But at this age, a full season in three competitions: That's a huge challenge for the body. At some point, you reach your natural limits. You have to weigh things up: 'Do I go to the coach and take some time off to recover?' He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone anymore! What matters to him is delivering top performances in the big games.
"Manuel is experienced enough to assess himself. I don't know what drives Manuel. I watched Cristiano Ronaldo at the Nations League and wondered: 'What motivates him at this age? Does he want more wins and records?' Everyone has to decide that for themselves."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANUEL NEUER?
After starting in goal during Die Roten's 10-0 demolition job against Auckland City in their Club World Cup opener, Neuer will be expected to retain his spot in the XI when the Bundesliga champions take on Boca Juniors on Saturday, June 21.