Schalke and German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 25, refused to extend his running contract, the club announced on Wednesday.

After 20 years at Schalke, Manuel Neuer declared his leaving after 2012 at the press conference.

"I played 20 years at Schalke and I owe all to this club but, I'm looking for a change in my career. I continue to develop, making big steps as I always want to play at the highest level, and that's the UEFA Champions League," Neuer said.

German media already speculates about a transfer to Bayern Munich, which urgently lurks for a goalkeeper.

Schalke Board director Horst Held added: "We have taken note of this news with a heavy heart, we must accept and respect it. Nevertheless one should not forget that Schalke, with the Champions League semifinals against Manchester United and the German Cup final against Duisburg, is pursuing big goals."

However, Schalke played a disappointing season in the league with 10th position along 40 points.