Manuel Neuer is enjoying one of his best seasons in recent memory. The 39-year-old shot-stopper has already racked up four clean sheets in his first six Bundesliga games. It’s no surprise that with the
FIFA World Cup around the corner rumours linking Neuer with a possible return to the German national team have started circulating.
Despite the rumours picking up significant steam in the last few weeks, Germany captain and fellow Bayern Munich teammate, Joshua Kimmich, was quick to douse the gossip in cold water. Kimmich also threw in a sprinkle of praise for current number one, Oliver Baumann.
“Manu can lead any team. He’s been the best goalkeeper in the world for 20 years. Ultimately, it was his decision to retire, and we all have to respect his decision,” said Kimmich in an interview with Welt am Sonntag (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Overall, we’re very well equipped in the goalkeeping position; Oliver Baumann has been excellent in recent games.”
It remains to be seen whether Neuer will return for one last World Cup, but at this point it seems unlikely. Considering the reportedly strained relationship between the goalkeeper and Julian Nagelsmann as well as Germany’s depth in the position, it would likely take something special for Neuer to come out of retirement to claim back his spot in the national team.
