Former German midfielder Stefan Effenberg has stated that Manuel Neuer, goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and recently retired from the German national team, "should not return" to the squad managed by Julian Nagelsmann following the serious injury suffered by Barcelona's Marc-André Ter Stegen.

In his weekly column published on the 'T-Online' portal, the former German international pointed out that "Neuer would lose credibility if he wanted to return to the DFB now, even after such a short time" and noted that "he now wants to fully concentrate on his last two years at Bayern Munich and possibly on the future."

"For me, retiring is not a good idea in any sport. But he must keep his word. And he will," the former captain of the Bavarian team reaffirmed in his column.

In this context, Effenberg emphasized that the German coach would also send "a completely wrong signal to the goalkeepers behind Ter Stegen" if he chooses to "rely on Neuer, 38 years old," arguing that Alexander Nübel, the VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper, would be the "best decision" for the 'Mannschaft.'

"After all, last season he performed very well for VfB Stuttgart, and this season in the Champions League he has the challenge of consistently delivering his performances at the highest level," he argued.

Effenberg suggested that the Barcelona captain "will return and then perform at 100%, as always, with his former strength" and that "he now has a year to prepare for his comeback for the next season and fulfill his great dream of a World Cup as a German goalkeeper."