Calcio, Mueller and Bayern Munich part ways after 25 seasons

Frankfurt (Germany), 5 Apr. (LaPresse) – The success story of Thomas Mueller and Bayern Munich will come to an end this summer. The German champions will not renew the 35-year-old's contract when it expires at the end of the season, as the 2014 World Cup winner announced on social media. After almost a quarter of a century, Mueller's career at Bayern Munich will therefore come to an end this season. Mueller, one of Germany's most successful players ever, has been at Bayern since 1 July 2000. Bayern have deliberately decided not to renew my contract for next season, the player explained. ‘Even if this doesn't reflect my personal wishes, it's important that the club follow its convictions. I respect this step, which the board and supervisory board have certainly not taken lightly,’ Mueller wrote, adding that ’even after all these years, regardless of the number of minutes I play, I still really enjoy being out on the pitch with the guys and fighting together for titles for our team. I could very well imagine playing this role next year as well.’ The 2014 world champion is not only an icon of the club, but also of the Bundesliga. Mueller is the first player to celebrate 350 Bundesliga victories. With over 700 official matches played for Bayern Munich, he is the club's current player with the most appearances. He also played 131 times for his national team, won twelve German championships and six cups, as well as two Champions League titles.