Köln shot-stopper Schwäbe "thrilled" with Neuer's new deal at Bayern Munich

The Köln goalkeeper considers Manuel Neuer to be the greatest of all time in their trade.

Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images.

“As someone who idolized Manuel Neuer as a kid, I'm thrilled,” said 1.FC Köln's Marvin Schwäbe, after the Bayern Munich goalkeeper signed a new contract earlier today. 

"Being able to face him for another season would be incredible. He's a legend, as they say these days “The GOAT,” the Köln shot-stopper told journalist Hanna Reif. 

"The league is lucky to be able to witness that for another year. He was a great role model, he changed the goalkeeping landscape. We trained a lot with our feet.

“That [footballing ability] became part of goalkeeping. Since Neuer, we know that a goalkeeper should be able to do more than just make saves,” he added. 

Regarding his former teammate Jonas Urbig, who is now the heir to Neuer's number one jersey in Munich, Schwäbe has full confidence in the youngster's abilities. 

“He's already shown his potential with us, and that he can be and will become a very good goalkeeper. He's matured considerably, having played almost 30 games in his first year and a half in Munich.

“That speaks for him and for his development. Another year playing alongside Neuer will do him a lot of good. Then he'll be ready to take over the position,” he concluded.