Manuel Neuer return to Schalke today

Later today in the German Bundesliga FC Schalke 04 host FC Bayern Munich in the final match of Round 6. Matches between the royal blues and the Bavarians are always high tension games, but today's encounter has special significance as it marks the first return of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to Gelsenkirchen after he left the club in the summer for Munich.

The 25 year old Gelsenkirchen born footballer had until the summer played only for one club (FC Schalke 04) all his career. Neuer symbolized what Schalke stands for - coming from a working class city; fighting spirit counts more then quality, technical football, a loyal fan base. But Germany's number one also realised that for his international career to progress he had to move on. Neuer was clear he did not want to move outside of Germany with offers from top English Premier League on offer at the time. So very few options remained for Neuer and with Bayern Munich searching for a new goalkeeper both sides worked out a deal.

Neuer's arrival in Munich has not been smooth either as Bayern fans initially were against him, but only one goal conceded in all competitions (Bundesliga, German Cup, Champions League) so far have shown what quality Neuer along with the new defenders bring to Bayern Munich.

Now he returns home to the Arena auf Schalke and it will be interesting to see how the Schalke fans react to their lost son. Schalke captain Benedikt Höwedes has called on the Schalke fans to be fair to Neuer especially for what he has done for the club. Will the fans listen?

But the match not only marks the return of Manuel Neuer to Schalke, but also that of right back Rafinha. The Brazilian had to leave Schalke last season for FC Genoa 93 after then coach Felix Magath didn't want to keep him, now he is back in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.