Neuer - I need CL football

Schalke goalkeeper keen to establish himself as Germany's No.1

By Thomas Zocher   Last updated: 17th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Neuer - I need CL football

Neuer: Wants to play in Champions League

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Manchester United target Manuel Neuer has suggested that he would be happy to stay at Schalke providing the club are playing regularly in the UEFA Champions League.

Neuer's agent recently claimed that United had shown an interest in the goalkeeper as Sir Alex Ferguson weighs up potential long-term replacements for Edwin van der Sar.

The 23-year-old is honoured to be linked with the Premier League champions, while financially-troubled Schalke have insisted the Germany international is not for sale.

The deciding factor for Neuer's future, however, is the promise of Champions League football, which he believes is necessary if he wants to become Germany's established No.1.

Ambition

"My ambition to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Germany will only stay alive continuously if I am playing in the UEFA Champions League," Neuer told Sport-Bild.

"This is what I am aware of. The manager knows about my ambition of playing in Europe every season.

"If we progress like we have done this season, we could reach our ambitions. We could then possibly extend my deal.

"Still, whatever happens some day in the future, my heart is for Schalke 04."

Regarding the interest from United, Neuer added: "The circumstances of Manchester watching me in action are a known fact.

"It remains an honour for me to be monitored by clubs of such a standard."

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