Manuel Neuer insists he has 'betrayed no-one' in revealing that he will not be penning a new deal at Schalke.
Schalke keeper defends himself against 'Judas' calls
Manuel Neuer insists he has 'betrayed no-one' in revealing that he will not be penning a new deal at Schalke.
The Germany international goalkeeper has made it clear for some time that he has no intention of extending an agreement which is due to run until the summer of 2012.
His reluctance to talk terms has fuelled intense transfer speculation, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United battling it out for his signature.
Bayern claim they are closing on a deal, with an outline agreement reached, but no official announcement has been made.
That means the transfer tales will continue for some time yet, much to the annoyance of some Schalke supporters who feel a home-grown talent has let them down.
Neuer refutes those accusations, saying: "I have betrayed no-one. All I have done is tell Schalke that I will not be renewing my contract in 2012. I have not lied or broken a promise.
Respect
"I would never do that because I love Schalke. I have always given everything for this club. This club is a piece of home for me and will remain so for sure.
"I know there are some that have now chosen to label me as a Judas, others accept my decision and respect it at least."
Neuer was born in Gelsenkirchen and rose through Schalke's academy system to become first-team captain.
He is now destined to leave the club in the near future, but hopes he will be signing off with a German Cup winners' medal - as Schalke meet second division outfit Duisburg in the final on Saturday.
Neuer added: "We are of course favourites and we want to be celebrating at the end of the game.
"It would be my first title as a professional with Schalke and something I would never forget for the rest of my life. Our goal is that we win the cup for us and the fans."
