Neuer, who turns 41 next March, continues to divide opinion over his position as Bayern Munich's first-choice goalkeeper. His fitness has also become an increasingly important subject, with recurring injury problems raising questions about how much longer he can maintain his extraordinary career.
Maier, one of German football's greatest goalkeepers, believes Neuer still deserves the opportunity to play when fully fit. However, the 82-year-old also recognises that age eventually catches up with even the most accomplished professionals.
“You must not simply write Manuel off. If he is healthy and performs well, he must be allowed to play,” Maier told Sport1.
“When Manuel is completely fit, he is still one of the best goalkeepers for me.”
Nevertheless, Maier believes the physical demands of elite football become increasingly difficult to manage as a player gets older. Neuer's experience and reputation should not prevent Bayern from considering the reality of his fitness situation.
“At some point, the moment comes when your body no longer responds in the way you would like it to. Even Manuel Neuer cannot stop that moment from arriving.”
The former Bayern goalkeeper was particularly concerned by reports of Neuer experiencing discomfort during ordinary movement, suggesting the situation deserves serious consideration rather than being treated as another routine injury setback.
“If you are already experiencing pain when walking normally, then naturally you have to think about things. You cannot constantly outsmart your body. At some point it tells you: enough is enough.”
Maier's comments reflect the difficult decision facing Neuer as he approaches the latter stages of a career that has brought virtually every major honour available in the game.
The Bayern captain has won multiple Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and the World Cup with Germany, establishing himself as one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
For Maier, there is little left for Neuer to prove, and he believes the summer could provide an appropriate opportunity to bring his playing career to an end.
“Leave it, Manu. You have given football an incredible amount, you have won everything and you no longer have to prove anything to anybody.”
The advice comes from someone who understands the demands of playing in goal at the highest level. Maier is not questioning Neuer's ability when fit; rather, he is warning that the goalkeeper must recognise when his body can no longer sustain the demands of professional football.
His message is therefore twofold: Neuer remains good enough to play for Bayern when healthy, but his long-term wellbeing and the recurring nature of his injuries must also influence the decision about his future.