National team - Report: Müller quits DFB team after European Championship exit
The national career of fan favorite, World Champion, and mood-maker Thomas Müller is reportedly coming to a quiet end. The Viertelfinal exit of the German team against Spain at home during the European Championship was said to be his last game for the country, according to "Bild". After the 0:2 loss against the Spaniards, Müller had announced a conversation with German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann. He has now apparently made his decision, although there was no official confirmation yet.
Müller has played 131 times for Germany since his debut in March 2010 in a World Cup test against Argentina (0:1) in his hometown of Munich. Only record holders Lothar Matthäus (150) and Miroslav Klose (137) have appeared more often for the DFB team. The 2014 World Champion will still fulfill his contract with FC Bayern Munich, which runs until 2025, according to "Bild".
Ten World Cup goals, no European Championship goal
Before his debut, Maradona had invited Müller as a guest coach. A few months later, Müller sent Argentina and Maradona home with a goal in the World Cup quarterfinals in Cape Town with a score of 4:0. The then 20-year-old top scorer scored five goals in South Africa. Four years later, Müller was again successful at the World Cup with five goals - his significant contribution to the victory in Brazil.
Curiously, Müller failed to score a goal at European Championships. In 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024, he was present. At home, the Munich native no longer played a leading role. However, he was still there in spirit. "Thomas can hang with the rappers - and with those who yodel," described Nagelsmann's unifying role in the team. Müller himself described himself jokingly as more of a yodeler than a rapper after that.
Lastly, "lubricant"
Nagelsmann had referred to him as a "connector" and "lubricant" for the good atmosphere between younger and older players. He came on as a substitute in the opening game against Scotland (5:1) and in the big, but ultimately fruitless build-up against Spain (1:2 n.V.).
Müller's time with the DFB after the early World Cup exit in 2018 in Russia was a rollercoaster. The then national team coach Joachim Löw did not consider him, Mats Hummels, and Jerome Boateng in March 2019 - a decision that was hotly debated at the time. Müller returned to the EM 2021, but without Fortuna. In the EM round of 16 against England (0:2), he missed the big equalizing chance.
"Heart on the pitch"
Löw's successor Hansi Flick initially also did without Müller at the World Cup 2022, but he was there again. After the team's elimination in the first round in Qatar, Müller said in a TV interview: "It was an enormous pleasure, dear people. Thank you very much. We have had incredible moments together. I have tried to put my heart on the pitch in every game." This was interpreted as a retirement announcement at the time. He had done it all "with love," Müller assured.
At the Home EM, he was still there despite that. With full passion. Muller accepted his changed role as a substitute player effortlessly. Team colleagues often highlighted Muller's significance within the team not only due to his immense experience. However, the German national team will probably have to do without Muller's binding force in the offensive play in the future.
- Despite the retirement rumors, Thomas Müller still has a contract with FC Bayern Munich until 2025.
- Müller's national team career is reminiscent of Lothar Matthäus and Miroslav Klose, with 131 appearances for Germany.
- The German national soccer team suffered a disappointing exit in the Viertelfinal of the European Championship against Spain in Munich.
- In his national team career, Müller has scored 10 World Cup goals but sadly never netted one in an European Championship.
- Diego Maradona had invited Müller as a guest coach before his debut, and Müller later scored against Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals in 2010.
- Müller's role in the team is essential, with Nagelsmann describing him as a "connector" and "lubricant" for the team's atmosphere.
- The German national team experienced a rollercoaster ride with Müller after the early World Cup exit in 2018, with Löw initially leaving Müller out of the squad.
- Müller's heart always appeared on the pitch, and he assured that he played with love, even during difficult times like the World Cup 2022 elimination in Qatar.
- Müller returned to the national team under the new coach Hansi Flick for the World Cup 2022, and after their elimination, he spoke about the incredible moments he experienced.
- Throughout his career, Müller has been a valuable asset to the team, both on the field and as a source of inspiration.
- The German national team and FC Bayern Munich will miss the guidance and experience that Müller has provided as a team player.
