Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says former manager Pep Guardiola 'seriously considered' playing goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in midfield during a game.
Guardiola, now at Manchester City, was at the German club from 2013 to 2016 and won three Bundesliga titles whilst at the club.
And it has now emerged that the Spaniard considered playing Neuer, who is known for his excellent ability with the ball at his feet, outfield in a match after the Bundesliga was wrapped up, according to Rummenigge.
'Manuel invented the art of being a footballer as a goalkeeper and revolutionised this position,' Rummenigge told Bayern's official magazine 51.
'I still remember how Pep Guardiola, after winning a championship, seriously came up with the idea of putting him in midfield for a game.'
He continues, saying he would've 'found it difficult to dissuade Pep from this idea, which some of us felt might be interpreted as arrogance.
'But I am convinced that Manu would have done well in midfield, too.'
Neuer, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2011, has made 365 appearances for the German giants, and has kept 260 clean sheets.
He regularly ventures outside his box to play from the back and acts as a 'sweeper-keeper' for club and country, hence Guardiola's willingness to try him in midfield.
However, the decision was taken from the club to keep Neuer between the sticks despite Guardiola's intriguing proposal.