Turning 40 in March, Manuel Neuer is currently weighing up whether to extend his contract with Bayern Munich, which expires at the end of the season, or hang up his gloves.
However, as Bayern’s board member for sport Max Eberl told Sport1 in an interview published on Monday, the decision does not rest solely with Neuer.
The club also has to be convinced, with Eberl stressing that the veteran must continue performing at a high level to justify a new deal.
"He has to be capable of performing at top level – as he currently is. That would also need to be the case next season. It’s about how Manuel feels, whether he wants to continue, and whether he sees himself able to maintain his performance for another year," Eberl said.
"Even at nearly 40, he's still a top goalkeeper in Europe. But of course, it has to continue like this. You have to talk about his motivation and focus. That's what we expect as a club, and we want to work with him to figure it out together."
Asked whether it will be a difficult decision, Eberl replied:
"Manuel is not a normal ‘internal transfer’; he’s a legend – and he plays as a goalkeeper in a very crucial position.
"Our goalkeeper situation is comfortable with Manuel as number one, Jonas Urbig as his backup, Sven Ulreich as an experienced option, and Alexander Nübel, who is still on loan at VfB Stuttgart.
“We’re not chasing any development; we can calmly talk with all parties involved. And the first person you need to talk to is Manuel.”
Neuer is currently sidelined with a torn muscle fiber injury.