Importance Score: 15 / 100 🟠
- Muller’s contract is set to expire and Bayern Munich withdrew renewal offer
- The 35-year-old has scored 247 goals and won 27 trophies since debut in 2009
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! The signs that Ruben Amorim’s Man United side are getting there
Thomas Muller has penned an emotional letter to Bayern Munich fans as he revealed he will leave the club at the end of the season after 25 years.
Muller’s deal is due to expire this summer, and he had been expected to sign an extension to keep him at the German giants for another year.
However, it was reported on Tuesday that Bayern have withdrawn their contract offer after telling the 35-year-old that he is earning too much.
In a lengthy letter posted on Instagram on Saturday morning, the veteran admitted that the club has gone against his ‘personal wishes’, but ‘respects’ the decision that has been made.
Muller wrote: ‘After a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to you as an opportunity to clarify things.
‘Even after all these years, regardless of my playing minutes, I still have a lot of fun being on the pitch with the boys and fighting for titles together for our colours. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well.
Thomas Muller has penned an emotional open letter to fans to confirm his Bayern Munich exit
Muller’s contract is set to expire this summer and Bayern Munich withdrew their renewal offer
The veteran admitted that the club has gone against his ‘personal wishes’, but ‘respects’ the decision
‘However, the club made a conscious decision 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 Executive 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 feel the same way about my football game: it wasn’t always characterised by perfection either, but rather by thinking positively ahead to the next action. After a misplaced pass, you have to win the ball back with team unity. Over the past few days, we have also managed to do this in trusting discussions.
‘I can feel the appreciation from everyone involved for my long time at @fcbayern and feel deep joy at having played for my favourite club for 25 incredibly intense years. I will always remember so many great moments together.’
Muller has been used sparingly this season by manager Vincent Kompany, and it has been decided that Bayern cannot afford to keep him on his £14.2m (€17m) per season salary – one of the highest in the first team – when he is only a fringe player.
Bayern still want to keep Muller involved with the club in some capacity, and it is understood that they have come up with a plan that could work for all parties.
According to Bild, there is plenty of interest in Muller from the US, and Bayern could look to send Muller to their partner club in MLS, LAFC.
Should Muller make this move, he would become an ambassador for Bayern in the US and increase their appeal Stateside.
The 35-year-old has scored 247 goals and won 27 trophies since debut in 2009
Muller was recently urged by Bayern advisor Uli Hoeness to retire at the end of the season
Muller made his senior Bayern debut in 2009, and has racked up 742 appearances for the Bundesliga leaders.
He has scored 247 goals during this period, and won an eye-watering amount of silverware.
Muller has no fewer than 12 Bundesliga titles to his name, and has won the Champions League twice.
After falling down the pecking order, Muller was recently urged by Bayern advisor Uli Hoeness to retire at the end of the season as he claimed the World Cup winner deserved better than to continue on as a substitute.