Quotes from Manuel Neuer

One of the great things about being a professional football player is visiting countries and seeing cultures you might never see.

In life, I'm a guy who likes to drive a car quite fast, but I wear a seat belt at the same time.

It's obviously very tough for any team to lose on penalties.

Bayern are a club where success is demanded, and second place isn't particularly appreciated. We have a history and culture to respect.

I have a lot of respect for Messi and for everything that he has achieved. He is very humble. But it's crucial to show authority when we meet on the pitch and show him who's boss.

On the pitch, I conduct and organise. I'm loud.

In the past, goalies weren't even part of the team. They had their own dressing room. They didn't speak with the other team members. They were lone warriors.

I love to compete with the very best. That's why I feel great at FC Bayern.

As players at Bayern, we're not interested in any boredom - we're interested in picking up three points each game.

For me, the main thing is that I continually improve my game and make sure I keep setting the bar high.

The calmness and confidence I take into matches has an effect not only on our rivals but also on my team-mates, who are counting on me.

As a goalkeeper, I talk a lot to my fellow players on and off the pitch.

Because life constantly poses challenges, living demands courage

You can plan, but what happens on a football field cannot be predicted.

Before important games, I don't change my preparation.

Sometimes you can say it is boring being in goal, but what is important is I am in communication with the defence.

Nervenstarke means that no matter the situation, I have to show my teammates that I remain prepared and confident and there for them. They have to feel my Nervenstarke.

I love to tackle, especially when the grass is wet, but my main aim is to be a complete goalkeeper who can do everything.

I got my first football when I was two and played my first proper game before I was five. So nothing else was ever an option!

After matches, the highlights show mostly the goals, scoring chances, assists. The spectator tends not to remember that, as a goalkeeper, I make difficult saves at great risk and start moves with my efforts.

I know that I often take risks, but it is always for the purposes of the team.

I consider that part of my job as a pro: to know who you're up against and how the attacking players play, what kind of characteristics they have, their qualities, how they move, their preferred foot.

In Germany, the football association is the best.

The Bundesliga is a lucrative league, and in Germany, the best club is Bayern, and I wanted to play for the best club in Germany.