According to Sky Sport Germany, Neuer may lead Bayern Munich in an away match against his hometown club Schalke 04 for the last time.

Neuer has been anticipating this football evening since May 2, when Schalke 04 finally returned to the Bundesliga after three years. "My Schalke!"

Now, 126 days later, it will all happen: Veltins Arena packed, lights on, and it's a Bundesliga match. Such an emotional atmosphere excites the goalkeeper and record holder of the German national team. Neuer may, for the last time as captain, lead Bayern Munich against his beloved hometown club in Gelsenkirchen.

This is also a special stop on Neuer's farewell tour, which he hinted at several times before the season began. Neuer said, "I'm looking forward to Veltins Arena. It's been a long time since I played there." He added, "It's a dream, especially considering this may be my last season."

Will he be booed again?

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, of course, returns home as an opponent. For the goalkeeper who moved from Schalke to Bayern Munich 15 years ago, jeers from Royal Blues supporters seem inevitable. Neuer was born in Gelsenkirchen and began playing club football in Schalke's youth academy at age five. He turned professional in 2006.

Neuer recalls, "I grew up here. I played for Schalke for over a decade." This bond will last a lifetime. Although Neuer is now a Bayern Munich legend and has settled with his growing family on Lake Tegernsee.

Yet he still holds Schalke, known for its working-class spirit, in his heart and actively participates in charitable activities in his hometown. Schalke's return to the Bundesliga is almost like a farewell gift in the final year of his illustrious career. Neuer said, "I believe this club belongs in the Bundesliga."

Despite the deep emotions, Neuer, of course, wants to leave Schalke's home stadium as a winner after 90 minutes—which has been almost the norm throughout his 15 seasons at Bayern Munich. On December 4, 2010, when Schalke celebrated their last Bundesliga victory over Bayern Munich, Magath was still head coach, and Neuer was in goal. In that match, José Manuel Jurado's 1-0 goal was set up by Neuer with a long pass to striker Raúl. Kicker gave Neuer a perfect rating after the match.

This time, Neuer hopes to continue his dream start in this away match—Bayern Munich's official 600th competitive appearance for him—following their 5-1 victory over Stuttgart in the season's opening round. At least on paper, Bayern Munich remain clear favorites, especially after Schalke's 0-3 away defeat to Augsburg. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich coach Kompany warned, "Everything starts from scratch."

Kompany stated that after playing for Hamburg and Manchester City as a player, he too understands the special atmosphere in Gelsenkirchen: "Schalke can't be hungrier than us. This is a great traditional rivalry."

For Neuer, the significance of this match stands out. During the German Cup away match against Osnabrück, Ulbricht replaced him in goal. Neuer, the most senior player in the squad, was able to rest well before returning to Schalke. Neuer spoke about his current physical condition, saying, "I feel good." Last season, he was affected by several injuries.

Keep playing or retire? Neuer has answered this question with his decision to "play one more year" before his failed return to the national team last summer. He still enjoys playing with this Bayern Munich team and is eager to win the treble again, achieving this feat for the third time after 2013 and 2020.

Neuer said a few weeks ago at the training camp on Lake Tegernsee, "I would probably choose to retire in 85% of cases. But it's so much fun working with this team, with the staff and coaching team. We always have a chance to compete for all the titles." He also said at that time, "It seems like I will retire after this season."

However, during matches, Neuer does not usually think about whether this might be the "last time" he plays at this or that stadium. But this time, returning to Schalke, he may truly be thinking about it.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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