On July 6th, at 0:00 am, the European Championship quarter-finals will feature a key match between Germany and Spain. Before the match, Neuer was interviewed by the media. He said that he hadn’t considered retiring from the national team, and it’s not the time to think about retirement.
Regarding whether this European Championship is his last major tournament, Neuer explained: “I’m really enjoying it, and I’m happy to be back after my injury. I’m happy to play the European Championship at home, and we were all looking forward to it. For me, this joy started before our first game, because I was really eager to get back on the pitch.”
“Honestly, I haven’t even thought about retiring from the national team. I think if I kept reminding myself, ‘This could be my last national team game,’ that kind of thinking would inhibit my performance and put pressure on me. It would be detrimental to my mental state. That’s why I look forward to every game, like tomorrow’s match against Spain, which is a very important one.”
Neuer is 38 years old this year. Regarding his fitness, Neuer said: “As a goalkeeper, you have to have special reaction abilities. I focus a lot on training my basic stamina, so that I can concentrate for a long time and make the right move at crucial moments. In the round of 16 against Denmark, I wasn’t tested for a long time. As a result, I didn’t really make any saves for over an hour, and then Hojlund suddenly appeared in front of me.”
“So how do you stay focused for a long time? I talk to myself. Of course, I also communicate with the players in front of me. This can guide them and make them aware of certain things. But I do this for myself as well, so that I can stay alert and focused.”
Neuer’s contract with Bayern Munich will expire in a year. Regarding whether he is considering ending his career abroad, Neuer responded: “It’s a tough question. I have always wanted to play at the highest level. Throughout my career, I have considered this option and have always received invitations. But I know that Bayern is the best place for me, and no club has ever made me as happy.”
“However, you should never say no to a move to Saudi Arabia or Qatar. If possible, Major League Soccer is also an option. I talked about this with Schweinsteiger. One day I will consider retiring. But not now.”
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