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      I’m the former World Cup star who quit football for WWE after chat with Triple H

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      WITH nearly 300 Bundesliga appearances under your belt and a trip to a World Cup on your CV, you’d imagine you’re at the top of your game.But one German star embarked on a shock career change, seemingly at the peak of his powers, at the age of 32.
      A former Germany international turned his back on football to join Triple H in WWE
      The ex-Bundesliga star even featured in a WWE show in MunichCredit: AFP
      The one-time goalkeeper fought alongside partners Cecaro and SheamusCredit: AFP
      The goalkeeper spent a decade in Germany’s top flight with Kaiserlautern, Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim – and regularly starred in the Champions League.
      He even joined Manuel Neuer in the squad for the 2010 World Cup.
      While he never made it into the starting XI in South Africa – as Germany KO’d England and reached the semi-finals, losing to eventual champions Spain – the 6ft 4in stopper was a giant between the sticks.
      The No1 won the German version of the FA Cup and League Cup once apiece and finished as a Bundesliga runner-up twice.
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      And yet in 2014, he made the bold decision to hang up his gloves and move into WWE.
      The man in question? None other than Tim Wiese.
      In September 2014, Wiese revealed he’d been offered a development contract by WWE to join their NXT division.
      Fast forward less than two years, the German was invited to train at the WWE’s development facility in Florida by legendary wrestler Triple H in June 2016.
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      Tim Wiese most-famously played for Werder Bremen during his Bundesliga careerCredit: AFP
      Tim Wiese earned six Germany caps, including a 2-1 friendly defeat at the hands of England in BerlinCredit: Bongarts – Getty
      At the time, Wiese revealed: “I have been training hard for this, and I am excited for the opportunity.
      “No matter what it takes, my goal is to be in that WWE ring this November. I want that match.”
      Ex-world champ Triple H said: “Tim is tenacious.
      “He continues to be very vocal in his desire to prove that he has what it takes,
      “He has shown tremendous resilience and determination to create an opportunity for himself.
      “This is his break to walk his talk. If all goes well in Florida, he will get his chance in the ring.”
      By November, he’d teamed up with Sheamus and Cesaro to defeat The Shining Stars and Bo Dallas during a star-studded live event in Munich.
      In the build-up to the fight, Swiss legend Cesaro revealed he’d been working with Wiese – dubbed “The Machine” in the wrestling world.
      Cesaro claimed: “I wanted to see what he was made of and he was moving pretty good.
      “It is a big change from football – the real football, if any Americans are reading – to wrestling but he definitely has the build for it.
      “I gave him some tips but he will have to go through some adjustments – WWE is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s not for everybody.
      “He says he wants it so now he has the chance to prove it – it’s all up to him.”
      Tim Wiese came out of retirement for one match with German eighth division side DillingenCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, by 2017, Wiese had left WWE – and dusted off his goalkeeping gloves for a shock return to football.
      Aged 35, he starred between the posts for German eighth division side Dillingen – who averaged 60 fans per game.
      For his debut – a 2-1 defeat at the hands of TSV Haunsheim – 2,000 supporters rocked up to watch the former international star.
      At the time, he vowed to work his way back to the Bundesliga and admitted he regretted his decision to turn his back on football.
      Wiese claimed: “I wonder why I gave up on all of this.
      “Considering it was my first game I think it went well.
      “Now I think of the future. No longer will I play in the sixth series.
      “I think I’m still good enough for the Bundesliga.”
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      Wiese never played football again.
      As for his WWE career? He never wrestled again, either. More

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      Leroy Sane ‘fuming as Bayern Munich bus sets off WITHOUT him’ for trip to Monchengladbach clash

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      LEROY SANE was left fuming after the Bayern Munich team bus left without him before last weekend’s game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, according to reports. German outlet Bild reported that the former Manchester City man was supposed to report to the meeting point at 4.15pm where two buses, one with the players on and one with the coaches would depart.
      Leroy Sane looks on during Bayern Munich’s 3-2 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach.Credit: Getty
      Leroy Sane in action for Bayern Munich.Credit: EPA
      The report adds that Sane had repeatedly been late for training in recent weeks and arrived at the meeting point six minutes late as he stayed out after training to practice free kicks.
      According to the report there were differing statements on whether the buses left on time time or early.
      The winger wasn’t on board and followed shortly afterwards in a private car with the report saying the German international was angry about the incident.
      Bild also say that over the past few days Sane had in fact turned up to the training ground well before needed.
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      The German winger’s mood wouldn’t have improved as he started on the bench before coming on in the second half as Bayern lost the game 3-2.
      Sane joined the German champions from Manchester City for £54.8million in the summer of 2020.
      The 27-year-old has scored six goals and provided three assists in 19 Bundesliga matches this season.
      During his time with the Bavarians Sane has won two Bundesliga titles.
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      Bayern Munich are next in action on Sunday in a top of the table clash against Union Berlin.
      The Bundesliga title race is tight with Bayern, Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund all level on 43 points. More

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      Man Utd told to fork out £18m transfer fee for Marcel Sabitzer if they want to land Bayern Munich star in summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been told by Bayern Munich how much it would cost to sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent basis according to reports. Sabitzer joined the Red Devils in a deadline day loan moan following the news that Christian Eriksen would be out until April or May with an ankle injury.
      Marcel Sabitzer in action for Manchester United against Leeds.Credit: AFP
      Marcel Sabitzer in action for Manchester United.Credit: Rex
      The Austrian midfielder was thrown into action quicker than he may have envisaged after Casemiro picked up a three-match ban for his red card against Crystal Palace.
      He made his debut from the bench in that same game and was handed his first start against Leeds and impressed in Erik Ten Hag’s midfield.
      German outlet Sport Bild have reported that the German champions are asking for a fee of £18million for the Austrian international but would be open to negotiating in the summer.
      The German outfit will be keen to make a profit on a player who has featured for them 54 times.
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      The report added that Bayern feel £18million is a fair price for a player they paid £14million for in 2021 from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipizig.
      Sabitzer himself has admitted that he would be open to making his stay in Manchester permanent.
      He said: ” It’s a loan at the moment, that’s all I can say. I like it here. I’m feeling very good here.
      “I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere in Old Trafford. We will see what happens in the summer.”
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      Sabitzer and Manchester United are next in action on Sunday when they host Leicester City at Old Trafford. More

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      Man Utd told Marcel Sabitzer transfer fee as Ten Hag considers making move for Bayern Munich star permanent

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      BAYERN MUNICH say Marcel Sabitzer will cost Manchester United £16million as Erik ten Hag ponders a permanent move for the loan hit.The German giants are open to selling the Austria midfielder this summer.
      Marcel Sabitzer has revealed he’s happy on loan at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      And he’s on Ten Hag’s list of possible signings for the next transfer window after settling quickly in the Premier League.
      But the Dutchman is still keen on dream target Frenkie de Jong.
      And United are reportedly ready to join rivals like neighbours City, Liverpool and Real Madrid in a summer auction for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
      But German outlet Bild say Bayern and the Red Devils would both be happy to consider Sabitzer’s loan deal becoming an end-of-season sale.
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      The 28-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in January to replace long-term injury victim Christian Eriksen.
      A minor stumbling block is the lack of an option to buy Sabitzer in his loan arrangement.
      But he’s impressed in his first spell in the Premier League.
      And that means Bayern are expected to value him at around £16m – about £3m more than they paid RB Leipzig in 2021.
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      Sabitzer himself has confirmed he’s more than happy at United.
      He said: “I like it here. I’m feeling very good here. I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere in Old Trafford.
      “We will see what happens in the summer.
      “I had to come in quickly but I enjoy it. I like it so far. The team welcome me very well.
      “From the first moment on, I felt very good in the team – good spirit, good goals, we’re a good team. It’s fun.
      “The manager talking to me a lot, what he’s expecting from me. I try to fulfil that. I’m feeling good with him and his tactics and I like it so far.” More

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      How Bayern Munich could line up with Kane and Rashford as they plot stunning swoop for Tottenham and Man Utd stars

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      BAYERN MUNICH are monitoring Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford ahead of audacious transfer swoops this summer, according to reports.The England duo are two of the most-coveted stars in the Premier League.
      Bayern are after England duo Marcus Rashford and Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      Kane has bagged 17 league goals this season, while red-hot Rashford has netted 12.
      Tottenham and Manchester United will be desperate to keep hold of their respective stars, but Bayern reckon they can prise them away.
      Kane, 29, has 18 months remaining on his Spurs contract.
      The Three Lions skipper is chasing Alan Shearer’s Prem scoring record, but Bayern think they can tempt him to ditch his pursuit to move to the Bundesliga.
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      Rashford, 24, is also only under contract at United until 2024.
      German paper Bild claim that Bayern are “monitoring” Rashford’s situation, and are hoping to pounce if he becomes available.
      Julian Nagelsmann’s side lost star striker Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona last summer, and failed to adequately replace him.
      Former Stoke flop Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been filling the role up top, but Kane could serve as a more appropriate Lewandowski replacement.
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      How Bayern could line up next season
      Bayern deployed a 3-4-3 formation against PSG last night in the Champions League.
      But they more regularly take to the field in a 4-2-3-1 system.
      Kane up top and Rashford wide left could be joined in a star-studded attack by Leroy Sane on the right and Jamal Musiala in the No10 position.
      An all-German midfield of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich could provide an outstanding base for Bayern’s attack to thrive.
      While Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt are a rock solid partnership at the back – with Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies providing width at full-back.
      Yann Sommer arrived last month to deputise for Manuel Neuer- although Bayern’s regular No1 should be back from his broken leg suffered in a skiing accident to resume his place next season. More

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      Inside Bayern Munich’s massive rift splitting German champions apart, from rows with key stars to dressing-room inquest

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      THEY call Bayern Munich “FC Hollywood”.But even Tinseltown’s finest scriptwriters would struggle to come up with the storyline ripping the German champions apart ahead of their Champions League date with PSG on Tuesday.
      Coach Julian Nagelsmann and keeper Manuel Neuer have had a falloutCredit: Reuters
      Neuer’s personal keeper coach Tony Tapalovic was sacked last monthCredit: AFP
      A massive fall-out between coach Julian Nagelsmann and keeper Manuel Neuer is at the heart of the Bavarian rift.
      Yet the finger pointing extends to a series of star players, with the impact on the pitch leaving Munich facing the first proper fight for the Bundesliga crown in years.
      The spark that fanned the dressing room flames came when Neuer – out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg in a Christmas skiing accident – saw his personal keeper coach Tony Tapalovic sacked last month for leaking player conversations.
      Neuer vented his fury internally and then, when Bayern doubled down on the decision, publicly.
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      The Germany keeper said: “It was a blow for me – when I was already on the ground. 
      “I felt like my heart was being ripped out.
      “That was the most brutal thing I’ve experienced in my career. And I’ve already experienced a lot.”
      But Nagelsmann, already under pressure after Bayern drew the first three games after the extended World Cup break to see their lead reduced to a single point over surprise challengers Union Berlin, hit back.
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      Nagelsmann, backed by the Munich hierarchy, slapped a fine on Neuer – suggested to have been as much as £1.4m – and then appeared to bury the hatchet firmly in the keeper’s back.
      The Bayern coach, who brought in Borussia Monchengladbach’s experienced Yann Sommer as a replacement first choice in the January window, said: “The bigger the club, the more sharks swim around you.
      “And it’s not bad if you’re in the middle of the shoal and there are a few pufferfish on the outside.”
      If there was any doubt, Nagelsmann “clarified” his comments, suggesting they were “ironic” but adding: “Of course it was about the interview.
      “We exchanged our opinions, but what we discussed remains internal.”
      While Bayern have won their last two games, against Bremen and Wolfsburg, to retain top spot, the performances have been poor.
      Neuer’s decision not to attend the game – the suspended Joshua Kimmich was in the Allianz Arena – added to the growing sense that his Munich days are numbered if Nagelsmann remains in charge. 
      With former Liverpool ace Sadio Mane still on the injured list, Germany widemen Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry copped the flak for their displays at the weekend.
      Gnabry was already in Munich’s bad books after flying to take part in Paris Fashion Week without permission and he turned up for the Wolfsburg win with his hair in a bizarre bun.
      Sane showed his derision when he was hauled off during the game although he promised: “Bayern has always delivered in this competition. 
      “We know our strengths and we have to call on them. We have to be there at the right time.
      “Our team consists of great footballers, we are defensively stable and ready to front up.”
      But Nagelsmann, also concerned over Thomas Muller, who limped off on Saturday, revealed he had held a dressing room inquest at half-time as he told some unwanted home truths.
      He said: “We’re not in the right flow.
      “I want us to play at full throttle. Then it’s football, that’s fun, that’s enthusiasm, and we move better too.
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      “If we play like this against PSG it won’t be enough. We have to play an outstanding game in Paris.”
      They will, to banish all the doubts swirling round. That, or hire new writers for the twisting plot. More

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      Manuel Neuer set for astronomical fine from Bayern Munich after no holds barred interview about club sacking close pal

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      MANUEL NEUER is reportedly set to receive a HUGE fine from Bayern Munich following a controversial interview.The German international, 36, slammed the Bundesliga champions’ decision to let goalkeeper coach and close friend Toni Tapalovic depart the club.
      Manuel Neuer spoke out against the club’s decision to sack keeper coach Toni TapalovicCredit: AFP
      According to AS, the issue is now resolved between both parties but Bayern are yet to dish out their punishment.
      And it could be a fine as heavy as £1.4MILLION – a whole month’s salary for the Bayern shot-stopper.
      Neuer is currently sidelined until the end of the season after breaking his leg while skiing following Germany’s World Cup exit.
      But his absence from the pitch has not stopped him speaking publicly about the decision to axe Tapalovic.
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      In an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung and The Athletic, he said: “That blow hit me extremely hard. I was told by the club officials. It came out of nowhere. For Toni too. I didn’t understand that at all. It really knocked me down.
      “Toni was always a team player with us, everyone saw it that way.
      “He wasn’t working for me for 11-and-a-half years, but for the entire goalkeeper group, for the coaching staff and for the club. We were always able to separate work and private life.
      “I understand that it might sound like I’m not being objective or not believable, but I can really tell the difference.
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      “For me, that was a blow — when I was already down on the ground [with his broken leg]. I felt like my heart was being ripped out.
      “It was the most brutal thing I’ve experienced in my career. And I’ve experienced a lot.”
      In response, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: “From my point of view, I would not have given the interview, especially when he says that the club is in the foreground.
      “It doesn’t exactly help to keep the peace, since it monopolizes all the front pages.”
      Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga table as they seek an 11th successive title.
      But they only hold a one-point advantage over second-place Union Berlin, with Borussia Dortmund just two points further adrift. More

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      Watch ex-Liverpool star Emre Can score from halfway line with cheeky toe punt in Borussia Dortmund cup clash Inbox

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      EMRE CAN conjured an incredible two-touch finish from halfway.But the ex-Liverpool midfielder’s “comic masterpiece” for Borussia Dortmund was labelled as embarrassing as it was amazing.

      Emre Can fires his second touch goalwards as Bochum backpedal desperatelyCredit: Viaplay
      Bochum keeper Manuel Riemann ended up making an ungainly lunge in a failed attempt to stop the ball beating him to the netCredit: Viaplay
      The Can opener divided fans between those praising the former Germany star and others condemning Bochum keeper Manuel Riemann for his role.
      Ultimately it helped put Dortmund in the German Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win.
      Riemann initially reacted deftly to nip out of his area to snuff out danger, chesting the ball down neatly and lashing it into the Dortmund half.
      But he didn’t get much height on it – meaning he had little time to backpedal before it was trapped in mid-air by by the right foot of Can.
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      The ball had still not hit the ground by the time the ex-Juventus star lunged forward to stab a quick shot.
      It zoomed just above the head of a string of players – and made the net before the sprinting Rieman and a defender could catch up with it.
      One fan dubbed the 45th-minute breakthrough as the “worst halfway line goal ever” and another joked: “4 bounces before it trundles over the line. A screamer!”
      A third observer with a similar view wrote: “People should stop pretending that goals from halfway aren’t almost always cr** and enjoy this for the comical masterpiece it is.”
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      But the “incredible” goal also inspired some classic footballing philosophy.
      As one put it: “Can’t win the raffle if you don’t buy a ticket.”
      There was also a curious debate as to whether it even counted as a volley.
      That seemed to be based on controversial logic that was especially harsh on Can: “Surely not a volley if it bounces 3 times before trundling over the line?”
      English striker Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 18, then conceded the penalty, confirmed by VAR, from which Kevin Stoger fired Bochum level.
      But Three Lions’ star Jude Bellingham soon unselfishly teed up Dortmund’s winner on 70 minutes.
      The Liverpool and Manchester United target picked up centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck’s long pass and surged towards goal.
      But rather than shoot, Bellingham rolled the ball across for Marco Reus to tap home.
      Dortmund players mob Emre Can over his clever opener from next to the centre circle against BochumCredit: Rex More