Bayern Munich and Germany number one Manuel Neuer has palmed away retirement speculation, stating that he will only call time on his career when he is no longer needed.
The Germany international has suffered his fair share of injury issues in recent seasons, including 2017/18 where he played just four times due to a foot problem.
And after Germany’s 4-2 defeat to the Netherlands on Friday night, more questions have been asked over the 33-year-old’s future for both club and country.
A defiant Neuer told Welt am Sonntag, however: "When you are no longer needed and you feel it, it is difficult to get up and motivate yourself each day.
"When your experience is needed and your players need you, that drives you on.
"I have the feeling that I am very much needed here in the national team and that everyone is happy that I'm here. It's clear that I have to show it in my performance.”
There is incredible competition for starting spots with the Germany national team, particularly from Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Neuer is adamant that he remains as ambitious as ever, adding: "[My longevity] is a result of my love for this sport. It excites me a lot when I'm on the pitch training or playing. It's a great fulfilment for me. I'm 33 years old but when I'm on the pitch I always feel that I can improve on my goalkeeping.
"I'm still as annoyed with things that don't work out as they did nine or 10 years ago and I'm still happy about things that work out.
"These are signs that mean something to me. Namely, how ambitious I am still. [I want to] play as long as my body can do it, I'm having fun and I'm needed.”
Neuer has played all three of Bayern’s Bundesliga matches this season and is expected to feature against league leaders RB Leipzig after the international break.
