Raphael Guerreiro may make a decision that few expected right now. After leaving Bayern Munich, the Portuguese shuttler was supposed to be looking for a new club, but German media report that he is considering ending his career more and more seriously. The reason is said to be health problems that have been complicating his functioning at the highest level for a long time.

Raphael Guerreiro will leave Bayern Munich

Raphael Guerreiro joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 after the expiry of his contract with Borussia Dortmund. The German champions took advantage of the opportunity and brought in an experienced player without a transfer fee. The Portuguese was supposed to give the team quality, versatility and greater opportunities on the left side of the field.

He played 95 games for Bayern. He scored 14 goals and recorded eight assists, and won four trophies with the team. He wasn’t always a leading figure, but he regularly gave the team numbers and experience. He last appeared on the pitch in the German Cup final against Stuttgart, when Vincent Kompany sent him on in extra time in a 3-0 win.

Bayern did not extend the contract with the Portuguese

A few weeks ago, Bayern officially announced that the contract with Guerreiro would not be extended. The contract will expire on June 30, so it seemed obvious that the footballer would start looking for a new club as a free agent.

However, the latest news from Germany changed the scenario. According to information provided by tz.de, the Portuguese is increasingly considering ending his career. Such a decision would be a big surprise, because the player is only 32 years old and until recently he played regularly in one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Injuries could have influenced the decision

Guerreiro’s biggest problem has long been health. He has been sidelined for over 200 days over the last three seasons due to various injuries. This is a huge number, especially for a player who relies on dynamics, mobility and intensive work in both directions.

Recurrent physical problems were to have a major impact on his approach to further playing. For many football players, the most difficult thing is not the pain itself, but the constant return to full fitness and the awareness that the body increasingly refuses to cooperate. That is why the Portuguese is considering whether the next months of fighting for his health still make sense.

Raphael Guerreiro has had a rich career

If Guerreiro does end his career, he will leave behind a very solid legacy. For years he was an important figure in Borussia Dortmund, later he played for Bayern Munich, and before that he also developed in France. In the Portuguese national team, he was one of the players who regularly appeared at major tournaments.

His greatest success came in 2016, when he and his team won the European Championship. He was then one of the important elements of the team and confirmed that he could compete at the highest level both defensively and offensively.

Is this really the end?

At this moment, no final decision has been made. Guerreiro is expected to analyze his situation and wonder whether he wants to take up another challenge after leaving Bayern. There would probably be interest in the experienced player, especially since he could go to a new club without a transfer fee.

Despite this, there are more and more indications that health may be more important than continuing to play. For fans, it would be the end of the career of a footballer who has distinguished himself over the years with his technique, on-field intelligence and versatility. In Germany, such reports caused quite a surprise, because few expected that parting with Bayern could also mean saying goodbye to football.