(Football news) The attacker for Bayern Munich is the third most capped player for Die Mannschaft, after Lothar Matthaus (150) and Miroslav Klose (137), with 131 caps overall over a 14-year tenure with the senior side.
In January 2010, Muller made his professional debut in a friendly match against Argentina. He played his last game for Germany in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against Spain, losing 2-1 after extra time. Muller was a replacement in the 80th minute of the match.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and the adaptable forward, who had the good fortune to compete in eight major tournaments, finished tied for sixth place in Germany’s scoring chart with 45 goals.
Muller celebrated scoring his first international goal for Germany against Australia in the group stage of 2010 World Cup, and he went on to make the net ripple five times during that tournament, winning the Golden Boot and receiving the FIFA Best Young Player Award.
He then scored five more goals at the 2014 World Cup, including a hat-trick against Portugal and a strike in Germany’s famous 7-1 drubbing of hosts Brazil in the semi-finals, before playing the full 120 minutes as Die Mannschaft beat Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Muller confirms Germany retirement with video message
Muller, who experienced a two-year spell out of the international setup under former boss Joachim Low before returning for Euro 2020, has now decided to call time on his ‘unforgettable’ Germany career.
The forward took to YouTube to share his announcement, saying: “After 131 international matches and 45 goals, I’m saying goodbye to the German eagle today.
“When I was given the chance to play my first international game over 14 years ago, I never dreamed this would happen.
“Sometimes I was devastated, only to get up again – in competition with the best players in the world and alongside fantastic teammates with whom I shared many unforgettable moments.
“I have always been proud to represent my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together. I would like to say thank you to all the fans and team members of the national team. Thank you for all your support over the past few years.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the team on the way to the 2026 World Cup as a fan but no longer as a player on the pitch. Goodbye and see you soon.”
Bayern chief Hainer: ‘I can’t imagine the national team without Muller’
Reacting to Muller’s international retirement announcement, Bayern president Herbert Hainer said: “The younger generation doesn’t know the national team without Thomas Muller and I can’t really imagine it without him.
“Nevertheless, the time has come: with the retirement of Thomas Muller, one of the all-time greats has taken off the DFB jersey for good.
“On behalf of football fans everywhere, I would like to thank Thomas for his superb performances and the style-defining way he played for the national team. And as president of FC Bayern, I’m delighted that Thomas will continue to play for our club.”
His announcement comes after fellow 34-year-old Toni Kroos confirmed his decision to retire from football altogether after Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Muller will now focus solely on his club career with Bayern Munich, where he has made 707 appearances over a 16-year period and is under contract until the summer of 2025.
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