Ending his 25-year career at Bayern, Muller will leave the team after the Club World Cup this summer
2025-04-06 11:05
Thomas Muller released a statement on Saturday, confirming that he will bid farewell to Bayern Munich this summer.
Thomas Muller, 35, joined Bayern Munich's youth training in 2000 and made his first Bundesliga debut for the first team on August 15, 2008. He mainly plays as a shadow striker, right winger, attacking midfielder and center forward for Bayern Munich. He has played 743 times so far, scoring 247 goals and providing 273 assists. He has won 2 Champions League titles, 2 Club World Cup titles, 12 German championships, 2 European Super Cup titles, 6 German Cup titles and 8 German Super Cup titles with the team.
However, Muller has now decided to bid farewell to Bayern Munich, where he has played for nearly 25 years. In this regard, he explained in a statement: "In view of the recent speculation about me, I would like to use this letter to clarify some things. Although my playing time has decreased in recent years, I still enjoy fighting side by side with my teammates and competing for honors for the team. I also looked forward to imagining that I can continue to play this role next season."
"However, the club has consciously decided not to negotiate with me on a contract extension for next season. Although this decision goes against my personal wishes, I understand the importance of the club sticking to its philosophy. I respect and believe that the board of directors and the supervisory board must have carefully weighed the considerations when making this decision."
"In the past few weeks and even months, the repeated tug-of-war in the public opinion field has made me feel a little uncomfortable. But the way I look at this matter, just like my attitude on the court: it is not always perfect, the key is to actively think about the next move. When the pass is lost, the most important thing is to rely on the cohesion of the team to regain the ball. In the past few days, we have also done this through frank and trusting communication."
"I can deeply feel the respect and recognition of my long-term commitment to FC Bayern by all concerned. I am extremely pleased to have played for my beloved club for 25 years. Countless beautiful and precious shared memories will always bind me to FC Bayern and to you."
"Now, I will focus on our season goals. Bringing the championship trophy home again and welcoming the long-awaited Champions League final at our home stadium in late May is my biggest dream. I will do my best for this!"
"Thank you for everything in the past and thank you for everything in the future. Bayern will always move forward!"
Bayern Munich: Will part ways with Muller after the Club World Cup
Bayern Munich officially announced that they would hold a farewell match for Muller. The announcement also pointed out that Muller will travel with the team to the 2025 Club World Cup to complete his last few official matches for Bayern Munich. The existing contract between the two parties will expire on June 30, which coincides with the Club World Cup.
Bayern chairman Herbert Hainer said: "Thomas Muller is the epitome of a fairy-tale career in Bavaria. He has grown up with Bayern. From the Ammersee to the Allianz Arena, to Asia and America, his footprints are everywhere. So far, he has won a total of 33 trophies at Bayern, an achievement that no one can match. He is one of the most outstanding representatives in Bayern's history."
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dresen added: "The most important thing is that we have found a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Thomas Muller is one of the best players that Bayern has ever produced, so it was very important for us to find a fair and friendly agreement. We will then work together to ensure that Thomas Muller can add three more championship trophies to his career. There are very few players who are still talked about by fans many years after their retirement. Thomas Muller will undoubtedly be one of them."