Thomas Müller, a crowd favourite and icon of Bayern Munich, announced on Saturday, April 5th, that he will leave the club at the end of the season after 25 years. The 35-year-old attacking midfielder revealed that the club did not offer him a new contract beyond the current campaign.
Müller, who joined Bayern as a youth player, established himself as a club legend, winning a record 12 Bundesliga titles – the most by any player – along with two Champions League trophies, two Club World Cups, and six German Cups among his 33 major honours. He was also a key member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
In a message on social media, Müller expressed his desire to have continued playing for Bayern. “Even after all these years, regardless of the minutes I play, I still really enjoy being on the pitch with the lads and fighting for titles together for our team. I could have easily imagined taking on this role next year as well,” he wrote.
However, he confirmed the reason for his departure: “The club consciously decided not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season. Even if this wasn’t in line with my personal wishes, it’s important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step, which the board and supervisory board certainly didn’t take lightly.”
Müller, whose playing time has decreased significantly under coach Vincent Kompany over the last two seasons, did not indicate his next career move.
Bayern Munich described the decision as having been taken “jointly” with the player and confirmed Müller would participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer before departing. Club president Herbert Hainer paid tribute, calling Müller “the epitome of a Bavarian textbook career” and placing him among the club’s “most outstanding personalities.” The club also hinted at a potential future role for Müller after his playing days conclude.
Despite the impending departure, Müller remains focused on the current season’s objectives. Bayern hold a nine-point lead in the Bundesliga and face Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals next week, with the final being held at Bayern’s Allianz Arena.
“Now our full focus is on our sporting goals for the season,” Müller stated. “It would be a dream for me to bring the league trophy back home and reach the long-awaited final at home at the end of May.”
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