Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer would be open to a return to the Germany national team, according to his agent Thomas Kroth.
"He's in top shape and performing at his best. If Julian Nagelsmann has a problem in that position, Manuel is healthy and if asked to play, then Manu would certainly not say no," he said in an interview to the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper on Tuesday.
When asked whether the Bayern captain, who will be 40 by then, would still be good enough for next year's World Cup, Kroth said: "If I give a clear answer now, I'll be opening a can of worms."
Former Germany players Lothar Matthäus and Thomas Müller have recently backed Neuer's potential return to the national team. On Wednesday, Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness joined this group.
"At a World Cup, the best (players) must play. And Manuel is the best. That's why he must play, if he's healthy," Hoeness on the sidelines of an event hosted by Bavarian state premier Markus Söder to honour Bayern men's and women's team for their respective Bundesliga titles last season.
Neuer retired from the national team after Euro 2024 in Germany and Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was chosen by coach Julian Nagelsmann as the new number one.
Ter Stegen, however, is set for a long spell on the sidelines after he underwent back surgery in July. He won't return in time to play the World Cup qualifying this year, which runs until mid-November.
Nagelsmann said that Ter Stegen will only remain first choice if he also gets regular playing time at club level. But he's set to be Barça's third option this season.
Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel have recently shared goalkeeper duties, but Baumann was the first choice for the World Cup qualifiers matches this month against Slovakia and Northern Ireland.
- Neuer
- Germany
- National team
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
