MUNICH: Bayern Munich icon Thomas Mueller revealed on Saturday that he will not receive a contract extension, concluding his remarkable 25-year tenure with the club at the end of the season. The 35-year-old, whose contract lapses in the summer, expressed his disappointment regarding the decision, noting it was made by the club and “not what I would have wished”.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Mueller admitted he disliked how the contract negotiations unfolded under public scrutiny in recent months. Nonetheless, he felt admired by staff and fans throughout his lengthy association with Bayern, stating, “The special connection to the club and our fantastic fans will always remain.”
Mueller progressed through Bayern’s junior ranks and has celebrated an illustrious career, amassing two Champions League titles and an incredible 12 Bundesliga trophies. His current aim is to focus on capturing another league title and reaching the Champions League final before concluding his play at Bayern, which will take place at the prestigious Allianz Arena.
Subsequently, the club announced Mueller would be honored with a testimonial match, alongside confirming his participation in this summer’s Club World Cup. Club president Herbert Hainer praised him, stating, “Thomas Mueller had the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career.” Born in Weilheim, a Bavarian town, Mueller joined Bayern at just 10 years old, making his professional debut back in 2008 under coach Jurgen Klinsmann against Hamburg.
As a one-club player, he holds the record for the most appearances in Bayern’s history, with a staggering 743 matches across all competitions, complemented by 247 goals and 273 assists. In recent seasons, Mueller found himself benched more often, fueling speculation about his departure from the club.
While he refrained from revealing where he intends to play next season, rumors suggest he could possibly transition to the MLS in the United States. Former teammate Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting, now with the New York Red Bulls, expressed interest, stating, “Thomas is a Bayern legend so I would be happy for him if he continues here. If he decides to take the step (to the US), we’ll see.”
Beyond his player journey, Mueller has been earmarked for an administrative role at Bayern following retirement, having already hit his national career peak as a 2014 World Cup champion with Germany, where he earned 131 caps and scored 45 goals. Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, commented on the club’s decision not to extend Mueller’s contract by stating it was “anything but easy,” indicating a shift in focus towards the future.
As Bayern prepares for their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan, they maintain a nine-point lead in the league over reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen, setting the stage for Mueller’s final matches with significant stakes.
