Legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper and current CEO, Oliver Kahn, has praised Manuel Neuer’s recent performances – and stated he’s got many years left in the game.
Kahn, who became Bayern’s CEO last year, played 632 times for the club in a 13-year stint, with his eventual successor to the No 1 spot continuing to impress him, as he believes Neuer can continue at the club until he’s 40.
Currently in Qatar and set to add to his 116 Germany caps in the final group game of the tournament, the 36-year-old may well have another World Cup in him if Kahn is to be proved right.
Speaking to journalist Florian Plettenberg, he said (via Fabrizio Romano): “Manuel continues to deliver world-class performances and as long as that is the case, he can continue until he is 40.
“He can still do it after 40. So why shouldn’t we keep renewing his contract?”
TIF Thoughts on Kahn’s comments…
Neuer arrived at the Allianz Arena following a breakout year at Schalke 04 which saw them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2010/11.
The German has played 488 games for the Bundesliga giants and has won all there is to win in that time, most notably picking up the World Cup and two Champions League titles along the way to cement himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers of a generation.
He is still Bayern’s number one and captain, as reflected by his £298k-per-week contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2024. But with his form and relationship with the biggest ally a goalkeeper could wish for on the board in Kahn, he looks set to continue thwarting attackers in Bavaria beyond that date.