Injured Again: Goalkeeping Legend Advises Neuer to Retire

Six to eight weeks — that is the estimated lay-off length reported by "Bild" and "Sky" regarding the latest injury to Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The 40-year-old suffered a "partial tendon tear in his right foot" during the 2-1 victory over Mainz, as announced by the German record champions (read more here>>>).

Is Neuer's Ambition Getting in His Way?

It is already the veteran's sixth injury layoff over the last two seasons. As such, it comes as no surprise that debates are flaring up over whether Neuer's body is still up to the demands of professional football.

One of his predecessors — and alongside him and Oliver Kahn arguably one of the greatest Bayern goalkeepers of all time — is Sepp Maier. Speaking to "Sport1", the now 82-year-old described Neuer as incredibly ambitious. That quality made Neuer "one of the best goalkeepers in the world for many years. But that same ambition can eventually get in your way," said the 1974 World Cup winner.

Not World-Class Forever

Neuer remains a goalkeeper with "extraordinary abilities. You don't just unlearn that," says Maier. Nevertheless, a goalkeeper must always be judged on their current performances: "Just because someone was world-class in the past doesn't automatically mean they will stay that way forever."

When Neuer is fit, Maier believes he still belongs among the top goalkeepers. "His experience, his presence, his reading of the game – that is truly extraordinary," says Maier. However, the question is rather: "How often is he still fully fit? It does you no good to be world-class if your body can no longer keep up."

(No) Damaged Legacy?

The 95-cap former Germany international does not see a danger of Neuer damaging his own legacy by retiring too late. After all, nobody can take away what Neuer has achieved. The 40-year-old remains one of the best goalkeepers of all time.

Therefore, he hopes Neuer will be able to choose the timing of his retirement himself, rather than having "the next injury make that decision for him."

"Call It a Day, Manu!"

Furthermore, Bayern have a very capable replacement ready in Jonas Urbig. "There is no need to take unnecessary risks with Manuel," Maier warns. From his perspective, it would therefore be "sensible" if Bayern signaled to Neuer that they don't need him back as quickly as possible, but only once he is fully healthy again.

That way, Neuer could bring his illustrious career to a fitting end. As Neuer himself has already hinted, one can expect this season to be his last. Maier advises him to do just that: asked what advice he would give the 40-year-old in the summer, he said: "I would tell him: 'Call it a day, Manu!' You have given so much to football, you have won everything, and you don't have to prove anything to anyone anymore."