As the summer approaches, Bayern Munich has confirmed that Thomas Muller will be leaving the club after a remarkable 25 years.
However, the path leading to his departure has been far from straightforward, with tensions and missteps shaping the final chapter of his long association with the Bavarian giants.
A Long Legacy Ending with Tension
Thomas Muller’s time at Bayern Munich has been legendary, but as his contract nears its end, so does his era with the club.
At 35, Muller will walk away after contributing significantly to the club’s success, including a World Cup win in 2014.
Yet, his recent role at Bayern has been less than ideal.
Despite the club’s dominant season under manager Vincent Kompany, Muller has found himself playing a limited role, making only nine league starts.
The club’s younger stars have largely taken precedence, pushing Muller further down the pecking order.
The Contract Controversy
Muller, who reportedly earns a hefty £14.2 million (€17 million) annually, is one of Bayern’s highest-paid players.
Despite his contributions, the club has decided not to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the current season.
The decision was a difficult one, especially given Muller’s longstanding service to Bayern, but it has sparked frustrations, particularly with the way the club handled the situation.
Uli Hoeness Speaks Out on the Rift
Bayern Munich’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, has spoken candidly about the tension between the club and Muller.
In a recent interview, Hoeness admitted to having made mistakes in the handling of Muller’s contract.
He explained that he initially offered Muller false hope by suggesting the possibility of a new deal.
However, behind the scenes, Bayern had already made the decision not to renew his contract, leading to the unrest that Muller understandably felt.
Hoeness reflected on the situation, acknowledging that he had hoped to “build a bridge” for Muller, but instead, he may have made the matter worse by offering mixed signals.
“I’m incredibly annoyed that I said that,” Hoeness confessed.
“It would have been better if he had made the decision himself, rather than Bayern having to make it for him.”
Looking Back at Great Careers
The veteran president drew comparisons with other Bayern legends who struggled with their own retirements, such as Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Wolfgang Overath.
He remarked that many great players end their careers on a sour note, unable to accept that their skills have diminished.
He expressed his desire to prevent Muller from facing the same fate, encouraging him to retire while he was still at the top of his game.
What’s Next for Muller?
Despite the rocky end to his time at Bayern, Muller remains focused on finishing his career on a high note.
With Bayern currently holding a six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, Muller could potentially claim his 13th league title, as well as another European Cup.
His departure will be bittersweet for fans, as they say goodbye to a true club legend.
Muller’s next steps remain uncertain, though MLS side Cincinnati FC has emerged as a leading candidate to sign the forward.
He will also play his final games at Bayern during the summer’s Club World Cup, where he has been offered a testimonial to celebrate his incredible career.
As the curtain closes on Muller’s time at Bayern Munich, it’s clear that the ending wasn’t as smooth as his stellar career deserved, but his legacy at the club will undoubtedly remain intact.