True-blue Neuer aiming for first Schalke title

Bayern Munich target Manuel Neuer will lead out Schalke 04 for potentially the last time in today’s German Cup final, but the Germany goalkeeper insists he will always be a loyal Royal Blues fan.

“I love Schalke, this club is like a piece of home for me and will remain so for sure,” Royal Blues captain Neuer said ahead of the cup final against second division Duisburg at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

“I can promise that I will always have Schalke in my heart.”

The 25-year-old has said he will not extend his contract which expires in 2012 and the 25-year-old looks set to sign for Bayern or the Royal Blues face losing him on a free transfer next year.

Schalke are bidding to win the cup for the fifth time and Neuer is eager to capture his first title with the Gelsenkirchen club having joined them in 1991.

“We are, of course, favourites and I want to celebrate what in the end would be my first title as a professional with Schalke 04,” he said after his team won at holders Bayern in the semi-final.

“It would certainly be something I would remember all my life.”

Schalke’s chances of lifting the cup are considerable as opponents Duisburg face an injury crisis.

Coach Milan Sasic has considerable problems as the core of his team are either injured or carrying knocks as the minnows look to lift the cup for the first time in their history.

Captain Srdjan Baljak and de-fender Julian Koch have knee in-juries, while midfielder Jurgen Saeumel is also out with hamstring trouble and imposing defender Bruno Soares is suspended.

In addition, Duisburg veteran Ivica Grlic has a muscle strain and defender Benjamin Kern has strained knee ligaments and, to make matters worse, midfielder Ivica Banovic pulled out of training on Wednesday with injury.