Role model Manuel Neuer? Männel is not thinking about ending his career

Routine goalkeeper Martin Männel is still not thinking about ending his career during his 18th season in the FC Erzgebirge Aue shirt. "I'm not finished with soccer yet. Manuel Neuer is still playing, Yann Sommer is no younger than me - and nobody is talking about having to retire any time soon," the 37-year-old keeper told the "Freie Presse" newspaper. Bayern goalkeeper Neuer is 39 years old, Sommer (Inter Milan) is 37.

In 2008, Männel moved from Energie Cottbus to Aue and has since developed into Aue's record player and a club icon. Born in Hennigsdorf, he played a total of 584 games for FC Erzgebirge, including 332 games in the 2nd division and 223 in the 3rd division. "There was never a moment when I really had to think three times about staying here," reported Männel.

Männel: The 3rd division is our Bundesliga

His greatest successes with Aue include the promotions to the 2nd Bundesliga in 2010 and 2016. "From my point of view, Bundesliga 2 is the Champions League for FCE. The 3rd Bundesliga is our Bundesliga, that's where the club belongs. In this respect, I would like to see us return to the 2nd division one day and be able to upset the big boys there again," said the goalkeeper.

It is questionable whether Männel will see Aue promoted as an active player. "We have other things to worry about at the moment, we have to be realistic," said the goalkeeper, looking at the table. The Saxons are currently in 17th place in the 3rd Football League, with relegation looming. Christoph Dabrowski's team will host third-placed VfL Osnabrück on Saturday (14:00/ Magenta Sport).