Tearful Neuer set to ditch Schalke for Bayern
Source: Agencies |
April 21, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
GERMANY goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to leave Bundesliga side Schalke 04 at the end of the season after opting not to renew his current contract beyond 2012, he said yesterday.
Debt-ridden Schalke will allow Neuer to move in the close season - probably to Bayern Munich which has already asked for a meeting to discuss signing the 25-year-old - so it can claim a transfer fee.
Local media estimates he would cost 20 million euros (US$28.80 million) to buy from Schalke, which has reached the Champions League semifinals where it faces Manchester United but has had a disappointing Bundesliga campaign and is in mid-table.
"I wanted to be honest and explain my decision," a tearful Neuer told reporters at a packed news conference in Gelsenkirchen while fighting back the tears. "I want to develop further and take a new big step in my career."
"I want to continue playing in the Champions League, at the highest level. As a person I want to take a step that will allow me to stand on my own two feet," said Schalke's talisman who will leave the club after 20 years of service.
He said he could understand why some Schalke fans might be angry, given that as a teenager he was one of them in the stands but said he had to look after his future. "It is no problem if the fans whistle. It is not a good moment for them but I am a professional and see it differently."
Bayern officials said they did not want to comment on the goalkeeper's decision but Schalke sports director Horst Heldt confirmed the Bavarians have asked for a meeting.
"Bayern have asked for a meeting but we said that at this moment this is not possible given the important matches we have coming up. But certainly there will be a meeting and there will be talks at some point," Heldt said.
Debt-ridden Schalke will allow Neuer to move in the close season - probably to Bayern Munich which has already asked for a meeting to discuss signing the 25-year-old - so it can claim a transfer fee.
Local media estimates he would cost 20 million euros (US$28.80 million) to buy from Schalke, which has reached the Champions League semifinals where it faces Manchester United but has had a disappointing Bundesliga campaign and is in mid-table.
"I wanted to be honest and explain my decision," a tearful Neuer told reporters at a packed news conference in Gelsenkirchen while fighting back the tears. "I want to develop further and take a new big step in my career."
"I want to continue playing in the Champions League, at the highest level. As a person I want to take a step that will allow me to stand on my own two feet," said Schalke's talisman who will leave the club after 20 years of service.
He said he could understand why some Schalke fans might be angry, given that as a teenager he was one of them in the stands but said he had to look after his future. "It is no problem if the fans whistle. It is not a good moment for them but I am a professional and see it differently."
Bayern officials said they did not want to comment on the goalkeeper's decision but Schalke sports director Horst Heldt confirmed the Bavarians have asked for a meeting.
"Bayern have asked for a meeting but we said that at this moment this is not possible given the important matches we have coming up. But certainly there will be a meeting and there will be talks at some point," Heldt said.
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