‘They were very interested’ – Bayern Munich star reveals why he snubbed Arsenal transfer | Football
Manuel Neuer says Arsenal were “very interested” in signing him when he was young – but he decided to reject a transfer offer in order to continue his development with Schalke.
Tipped for future stardom from a young age, Neuer rose through the academy ranks with Schalke and made his first-team breakthrough for his boyhood team in the 2006/07 season.
An injury to regular number one Frank Rost opened the way for Neuer and the goalkeeper took advantage with both hands, keeping the gloves at Schalke for the next four seasons.
Soon enough, Bayern Munich came calling and the Bundesliga giants got their man for a fee in the region of €18m (£15.7m) in 2011, despite some initial hostility towards the move among fans.
Neuer continued to cement his place as one of the most loved goalkeepers in football history over the following years, accumulating 34 pieces of silverware – including the 2014 World Cup – during an illustrious career for club and country.
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And despite retiring from international duty after Euro 2024, Neuer is set to add to his trophy collection with Bayern this season – and he has hinted he could continue playing beyond his 40th birthday.
In a lengthy interview with the At Broski – Die Sport Show, Neuer reflected on how his career might have gone differently if he had followed a different path early in his career.
“After the under-19s, FC Cologne were very interested in me, as were Arsenal,” explained the two-time Champions League winner.
“At the time, Arsène Wenger was still a coach and spoke several languages.
“But I didn’t want to go abroad because I knew how difficult it is as a young goalkeeper.”
Neuer penned a new contract with Bayern in February, tying him to the German champions until June 2026.
In an interview with the Bundesliga’s official website earlier this month, the veteran goalkeeper refused to rule out the possibility of extending his stay again in due course.
“I don’t set any goals for myself. Like I said, I live here and now and I don’t think about it too much,” he said.
“I want to finish this part of the season in a positive way and then we’ll go back in January and try to get a good start. We’ll play until March until the first international break and then we’ll go from there.
Neuer added: “I can’t really answer that question (if he plans to accept another renewal) right now because I don’t really know myself. Many things must be correct.
“My body has to be at a certain level that I’m happy with and where I can perform.
“Of course the club also plays a role in this decision, so we will have to sit down together and make a decision at some point.”
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