Neuer recalled his earliest memories of the competition, when he was a ball boy at the 2004 final between Monaco and Porto, emphasising that the experience had left a lasting impression on him, even though he realised at the time how difficult it would be to reach that level.
He explained: “I was living at the Schalke academy and saw the stadium every day; I had big dreams, but the Champions League final seemed a long way off.”
He continued: “During the match, I was by the corner flag in the south stand, and it was a special experience, even if it wasn’t the most exciting match.”