Bayern legend demands

After rumors: “Neuer must keep his word”

Stefan Effenberg advises Manuel Neuer against making a comeback for the German national soccer team. "He will and must stand by his word," the Bayern legend made clear in his column for "t-online".

Background: After Neuer retired from the national team in August, Marc-Andre ter Stegen became the new number one between the posts. However, the Barcelona keeper suffered a serious knee injury on Sunday in the match against Villarreal, meaning he will have to take up to eight months off.

"Not a good idea"
While the power struggle between Neuer and Ter Stegen made headlines for years, national coach Julian Nagelsmann is now without both of them. However, a return of the Bayern goalie is not a solution, says Effenberg. "I maintain that there should be no comeback for Manuel Neuer, as some are already calling for. For me, retiring is not a good idea in any sport," said the 56-year-old.

Neuer would lose credibility with such an action, Effenberg is convinced. Furthermore, the former midfielder cannot imagine that the 124-time DFB keeper would even consider a comeback. "I believe that Neuer now wants to concentrate fully on his last one or two years at Bayern Munich and possibly beyond," concluded Effenberg.