Anika, the wife of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (39) and a handball player, has decided to retire from the professional stage at the age of 24.
According to the British newspaper 'The Sun' on the 8th (Korean time), Anika played as a left winger for ESV 1927 Regensburg in the German Handball 2. Bundesliga. However, Anika has decided to leave the team to focus on parenting.
Anika, who married Neuer in November 2023, gave birth to their son Luka last year. The couple did not formally announce their marriage, but the marriage was revealed when Anika changed her surname from Bissel to Neuer.
Anika stated through the club, "This decision was very difficult for me. I really like the team, and I have a great time playing with the female players."
She continued, "I don't think this break will be the end of my handball career. I just want to have more time for my son." She added, "I will really miss being with my teammates and playing handball. So I want to enjoy the remaining matches as much as possible and finish this wonderful season well."
Meanwhile, Neuer married Nina Weiss in 2017 but separated in 2020 and later met Anika. Neuer recently dispelled retirement rumors by extending his contract with Bayern Munich until the summer of 2026. He has played a total of 33 matches this season but is currently sidelined due to a calf injury sustained during a goal celebration.
Neuer injured his calf while celebrating Musiala's goal in a home match against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League (UCL), which Bayern won 3-0.
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