Bayern Munich icon Thomas Muller has confirmed that this will be his final season playing for the Bavarian giants after the club "consciously decided" not to renew his expiring contract.
Muller joined Bayern's youth team in 2000 and is the club's all-time record appearance maker, compiling an unrivalled trophy cabinet during a glittering career in Munich. However, the playmaker's influence on the first-team has winnowed with age over recent seasons.
Despite maintaining an immaculate fitness record, coach Vincent Kompany has started the 35-year-old in just eight Bundesliga games this season. As Muller revealed in a letter penned to Bayern fans, he wanted to extend his stay in Bavaria only to be bluntly rejected by the club's hierarchy.
It remains to be seen whether Muller will retire at the end of the campaign or play for another professional club for the first time in his career. As the boyhood Bayern fan, who used to go to sleep in FCB-themed bed sheets pointed out, the Bundesliga leaders still have a top-flight title to win and are trying to reach the Champions League final which will be held at home's Allianz Arena on 31 May.
The time has come #esmuellert #FCBayern #Mller25 pic.twitter.com/tMhzkO1jop
Thomas Mller (@esmuellert_) April 5, 2025
Muller's full farewell letter reads: "Goodbye Bayern fans
"After a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to provide some clarity. Even after all these years, regardless of the minutes I play, I still really enjoy being on the pitch with the boys and fighting for titles together for our team. I could have easily imagined taking on this role next year as well.
"However, the club has consciously decided not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season. Even if this was not in line with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step, which the board and supervisory board certainly did not take lightly.
"I understandably did not like the back and forth in public over the past weeks and months. However, I treat it like I do with my football game: It wasn't always characterized by perfection either, but rather with a positive, forward-looking approach to the next move. After a bad pass, it is important to win the ball back with team unity. We've achieved this in this matter over the past few days through trusting discussions.
"I feel the appreciation from everyone involved for my long time at @fcbayern and feel deep joy to have played for my beloved club for 25 incredibly intense years. Through so many great shared moments, I will forever be connected to FC Bayern and to you.
"Now our full focus is on our sporting goals for the season. It would be a dream for me to bring the championship trophy back home and reach the long-awaited final at home at the end of May. I will give my all for that!
"Thank you for everything that has been and for everything that is yet to come.
"Always forward, FC Bayern!
"Yours, Thomas."
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