2014’s my best year as player: Neuer

Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (in pic) has claimed 2014, in which he won the FIFA World Cup, the Bundesliga and the German Cup, has been his best year as a professional footballer.

To add to his happiness, Neuer has been nominated World Player of the Year, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The winner of the prestigious award will be declared at a gala event Jan 12, next year.

“It’s an honour and I’m already proud just to be shortlisted”, he was quoted as saying by marca.com on Thursday. He also said he does not see himself as a favourite to win the award. “The other two players are global stars and that gives them an advantage.”

The keeper credited the footballing philosophy of Bayern boss, Pep Guardiola as one of the keys to their success. With Bayern unbeaten so far this season in the league and eleven points clear of second placed VFL Wolfsburg at the top of the table, Neuer hopes to lift the Champions League title this season in the final in Berlin. “In 2012 we let slip the chance to win the title in our own back yard. Now we want to win the title in our own country,” he said in reference to their defeat at home to Chelsea.

Dismissing rumours about him retiring from international football, which have been persistent for a while, he said: “I haven’t made a decision yet. As long as I’m still number one, I’ll keep playing for Germany”.