Manuel Neuer’s return to Gelsenkirchen was always going to carry a little more emotion than a normal Bundesliga match, regardless of the result.
The Bayern Munich captain spent 20 years with Schalke, coming through the club’s academy and establishing himself before eventually moving to Bavaria in 2011. So, with Bayern visiting the VELTINS-Arena for the first time in more than three years, the occasion was understandably special for the 40-year-old.
And despite Bayern Munich being held to a frustrating
0-0 draw, Neuer was able to appreciate the significance of the occasion.
“It was nice to be back. I spent 20 years and learned everything here. My family lives here. I really enjoyed it,” Neuer said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
There is something particularly fitting about Neuer describing Gelsenkirchen as a place where he “learned everything.” Schalke was where he became a professional, developed into one of Germany’s best goalkeepers, and ultimately earned his career-defining move to Bayern Munich.
The match itself did not provide the happy ending that Neuer or the Bavarians wanted, though. Schalke defended brilliantly, while Loris Karius made several crucial saves to deny Harry Kane and company. Bayern Munich still dominated possession and created opportunities but could not find the breakthrough.
For Neuer, though, the evening was about more than three points. It was a homecoming — and one he clearly appreciated.
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