Shortly before leaving for the German national team, Manuel Neuer and FC Bayern announced that they would extend their contract until 2024. In the run-up there was even speculation about an even longer commitment of the captain. Neuer now explained why he didn’t want to do it himself and why he can now imagine saying goodbye to Robert Lewandowski.
“Everything was very relaxed and easy. The conversations were all very good,” reported the 36-year-old in the podcast of “Bild” football boss Christian Falk on the negotiations with the Bayern management around sports director Hasan Salihamidzic.
The fact that a joint contract was negotiated until the summer of 2024 was primarily in the interest of the keeper himself, as Neuer emphasized: “It was my wish that we extend the contract by a year. I’m 36 now and it’s until 2024 still a while. […] It has also been agreed with Hasan Salihamidzic that we will then look each other in the eyes. When I’m fit and performing well, we’ll talk normally, like men.”
Neuer has now been under contract with the German record champions for eleven years and has won the championship ten times and the Champions League twice with Bayern.
He is still undisputed under Julian Nagelsmann and made 39 appearances in all competitions last season.
Lewandowski departure? “Those responsible will make the right decisions”
The Bayern captain also commented on the recent tricky situation with world footballer Robert Lewandowski, who does not want to extend his working paper with the German record champions, which expires in 2023.
“Robert Lewandowski has a clear vision, just like the club has a clear vision. […] If he now wants to leave the club, then there will be talks. The club has to weigh up whether it makes sense to sell Lewy or to keep him,” said Neuer.
In the event of a Lewandowski change this summer, the goalkeeper firmly believes that the club could come up with a good successor solution: “The club has always put together a good squad, we’ve always had a top team together, so I’m me also sure that those responsible will make the right decisions for FC Bayern.”