‘Season’s over’ – Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer breaks leg skiing as he tries to get over Germany World Cup heartache
MANUEL NEUER'S end to the year went from bad to worse after he broke his leg just DAYS after suffering World Cup heartbreak.
The Germany captain had an accident during a skiing trip that saw him need surgery.
He will now miss the rest of the season.
Goalkeeper Neuer, 36, and Germany were sent packing from the World Cup early following an embarrassing group stage exit.
The Bayern Munich skipper then went away skiing to clear his head, only to break his leg in an accident.
Neuer wrote on from his hospital bed: "Hey guys, what can I say, the end of the year could have definitely gone better...
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"While I was trying to get my head clear while ski touring, I suffered a lower leg fracture. Yesterday's surgery went well.
"Many thanks to the doctors! However, it hurts to know that the current season is over for me."
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said: "The news of Manuel's injury shocked us all.
"We will stand by his side and accompany him on his way to his comeback. He will recover from this serious injury and return to the pitch as strong as ever."
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Neuer, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, played all three group games in Qatar.
He was also part of the side that were knocked out in the group stages four years ago in Russia.
Neuer wrote on Instagram after Germany crashed out behind Japan and Spain: "The pain and disappointment runs deep.
"It is brutally frustrating that we have not been able to constantly call on our service. It's going to take some time to process all this.
"Nevertheless: Thank you to everyone who has always supported us and encouraged us!"
Bayern do not return to action after the winter break until January 20th, when they take on RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
But the current league leaders will be without their No1 goalie for the remainder of the season.
Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer only failed to lift the Bundesliga in first season with the club.
He has won the German title in all 10 of the campaigns since then, as well as the Champions League twice.