Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer announced at the club's Rottach-Egern training camp that his 21st Bundesliga season will likely be the last of his professional career.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper aims to conclude his tenure following the 2027 Champions League final.
Neuer extended his contract with the German record champions for another year in May after lengthy deliberations.
Despite contemplating retirement during contract negotiations, the veteran keeper chose to continue competing at the highest level.
"I don't play games to say: This is now my last game – regardless of whether I might have been in one stadium or another for the last time.
But it looks very likely that I will stop!" said Neuer.
Reflecting on his decision to extend his tenure with the Bavarian club, Neuer shared the factors that influenced his choice.
"I might have stopped in 85 percent of cases, but in this team and with the staff and coaching team, it's just fun.
We always have the opportunities to play for all titles. We are fully at the peak with the team.
"That's why this team, the squad, and the structure we have at the club belong to the 15 percent where I said: I definitely have to keep going.
It's just fun," said Neuer.
Addressing his personal motivation and the support system behind his career continuation, the veteran goalkeeper emphasized his current form.
"I do this for myself personally, because I am also capable of always helping the team – and I have the support from my circle of family and friends," said Neuer.
Following his international retirement after Germany's World Cup exit against Paraguay, Neuer expressed eagerness to refocus on club objectives alongside teammates Joshua Kimmich, Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Hiroki Ito, Minjae Kim, Bara Ndiaye, and Jonas Urbig.
"I think somehow you are also happy that it starts again and that you have new goals and can achieve a lot, also with the club.
And that is now our goal," said Neuer.
The squad maintains high ambitions following last season's domestic double and Champions League semifinal run.
"I believe that we played a good season and that we have the players in the team who also have the opportunity to beat everyone and also achieve all goals," said Neuer.
Regarding the new additions and overall squad composition, the goalkeeper voiced total satisfaction with the club's transfer business, which includes £50 million signing Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari.
"One also has to say that we have no departures from the first XI where you say: Someone is completely breaking away from us.
I believe that the new signings also bring enough power to take us further.
We are happy that we made these transfers and can welcome these players to the team," said Neuer.
Despite designated successor Jonas Urbig making 21 appearances last season—including 15 Bundesliga matches, three DFB-Pokal games, and three Champions League fixtures totaling 1,650 minutes—Neuer clarified that the goalkeeper rotation will remain largely unchanged.
"No, I think it will run similarly to last season.
We will support each other, we have a good goalkeeper team, also with Ulle and the young goalkeepers.
The important thing is that we help each other, that we push each other, so that we can always give the best for the team in the goalkeeper position.
And that's how it will run this season too," said Neuer.
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed that most international players returned without major injuries, except for Lennart Karl, who was injured prior to the tournament.
Bayern's training camp at Tegernsee concludes Thursday with a friendly against FC Rottach-Egern.
