German goalie Manuel Neuer joined Bayern Munich in 2011. File Photo by Chris Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
Bayern Munich signed veteran goalie Manuel Neuer to a one-year contract extension, the German Bundesliga soccer franchise announced Friday.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” Neuer told FCBayern.com. “It took me a while to make up my mind. I just wanted to take my time with this, because it’s a very important decision, first and foremost for me, but of course also for the club and for our team. Now, I’m convinced it’s the right decision.”
Fellow Reds goalie Sven Ulreich also agreed to a one-year extension, which will keep the duo under contract through the 2026-27 campaign.
“We’ve got a fantastic squad with a brilliant coaching team, and it’s great fun every day, not least within our goalkeeping team,” Ulreich said. “It’s wonderful to see how everything keeps developing, and I’m sure we’ll be in with a chance of achieving everything again next season.”
Neuer, 40, appeared in 597 matches during the first 15 years of his tenure with Bayern. He appeared in 41 matches this season for the German champions.
Neuer’s previous pact was to expire after this season, when he helped the Reds clinch a Bundesliga title for the 13th time of his 15 seasons. The Reds also won two Champions League crowns during his decorated tenure.
Neuer, who previously retired from international play, made 124 appearances for the German national team. He won a World Cup in 2014, when the German’s beat Lionel Messi-led Argentina.
“FC Bayern is in excellent shape for the future when it comes to goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich possess a level of experience others can only dream of — and Jonas Urbig benefits from this in their daily training sessions,” Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said.
“All three are great characters who together form a unique team, the likes of which cannot be found at any other European club.”
Bayern will host Koln in a Bundesliga match at 9:30 a.m. EDT Saturday in Munich. The Reds will host FfB Stuttgart on May 23 in the German Cup finale.
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Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the FIFA World Cup trophy after Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Final win — its third tournament trophy — at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar, on December 18, 2022. Photo by Chris Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
