Thomas Müller - The network reacts to his return
After 131 international matches and 45 goals, Thomas Müller (34) announced his retirement from the German Football National Team on Monday (15. July). In the net, numerous colleagues, fans, and companions reacted to the DFB departure of the 2014 World Cup champion.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (63) described Müller in a statement as "an exceptional footballer in every respect." "His performances and titles speak for themselves. He significantly contributed to one of the most successful periods in our National Team's history with his goals and his wit, crowned by the WM title in Brazil in 2014," Neuendorf said. "I have always admired Thomas Müller's footballing ability. But also his grounded character, his humor, and his wisdom. The player Thomas Müller will be missed by our team, but at least as much by the man Thomas Müller."
National coach Julian Nagelsmann (36) is "grateful that I got to accompany Thomas for a part of his career, both with the National Team and at FC Bayern." The cooperation was a joy for him. "Thomas is a passionate professional who still burns for football as much as on the first day. I have experienced him as 'an extremely intelligent player - footballing, emotional, and fundamentally'." Nagelsmann continued, "I regret that he will no longer be with us, but I have great hope that Thomas will continue to shape German football in the future - as a player for FC Bayern and potentially in future roles."
For National Team Director Rudi Völler (64), Müller is incomparable: "His value for German football cannot be evaluated highly enough. Whether in all those years at FC Bayern or with the National Team - with Thomas, every team received not only a top striker but also a face, an exemplary character."
Reactions of Manuel Neuer and Co. to Thomas Müller's DFB retirement
Thomas Müller's popularity among his teammates was evident in their reactions to his announcement. National team goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (38) was one of the first to speak up on Instagram. "LEGEND! THANK YOU THOMAS!", wrote the goalkeeper, whose DFB career began around the same time as Müller's. In an Instagram story, Neuer shared several shared photos with Müller and wrote, "Thank you for everything in the DFB team, Thomas!"
National team colleague Antonio Rüdiger (31) shared a photo of Müller in his story and wrote "Legend" as well. Emre Can (30) also joined in with the words "Legend! Thank you for everything!" Niclas Füllkrug (31) wrote "Thank you, Legend! What you did for our National Team is crazy... Goodbye, Thomas!" and added sad Emojis and hearts in the German colors.
Youngster Florian Wirtz (21) commented briefly and succinctly on Müller's farewell video: "An honor for me." National players like Marco Reus (35), David Raum (26), or Karim Adeyemi (22) praised Müller as a "Legend." Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp (34) added a weeping Emoji and a heart. National team legend Lothar Matthäus (63) wrote "The only True One."
Bastian Schweinsteiger reacted to Müller's DFB departure: "A great player and an even better person."
Bastian Schweinsteiger (39), who played many years together with Thomas Müller for the DFB and Bayern, dedicated a post on X to Müller: "Dear Thomas, what an incredible journey with the German national team! Together we could experience many great victories and bitter moments wearing the eagle on our chest - with the peak being in 2014 in Brazil. Thank you for everything you have done for the German jersey. Germany can be proud of you!" He added with a wink smiley: "P.S.: I hope it goes successfully for a few more seasons in the Bayern jersey." Müller is still under contract with FC Bayern until 2025.
Holger Badstuber (35), a long-time colleague of Müller at the DFB and FCB, wrote on X: "Hats off to your great career in the national jersey! Your passion, your fighting spirit, and your relentless effort have made you a true legend. It was an honor to share some of these moments with you."
Further games for FC Bayern, where Müller has been playing uninterrupted since 2008, also hopes President, Herbert Hainer: "The younger generation knows the German team without Thomas Müller, and I honestly can't imagine it without him. However, it's now come to this: with Thomas Müller's retirement, one of the greats is taking the German jersey off for good," he will be quoted. "On behalf of all football fans, I would like to thank Thomas for his great performances and his iconic style in the national team. And as president of FC Bayern, I am happy that Thomas will continue to play for our club."
"Impeccable guy"
Even beyond football, Thomas Müller inspired and delighted many. Ski racer Felix Neureuther (40) commented on Müller's DFB post with the words: "Inspiring for many generations!!! Thank you." Tennis legend Boris Becker (56) shared the announcement of Müller's DFB retirement in his story and wrote "Thank you, Thomas." Ex-handball pro Stefan Kretzschmar (51) wrote: "You will be missed. Impeccable guy. A true great. Both humanly and sportingly. Only the best for you."
- The news of Thomas Müller's retirement from the German Football National Team sparked reactions from FC Bayern teammates as well.
- Rudi Völler, the National Team Director, expressed his admiration for Müller's impact, stating that his value for German football cannot be overstated.
- Bernd Neuendorf, the DFB President, praised Müller's footballing ability and grounded character, highlighting his significant contributions to the National Team's success.
- Julian Nagelsmann, the National Team coach, expressed gratitude for working with Müller, describing him as an intelligent and passionate player who still loves the game.
- Manuel Neuer, the German team goalkeeper, paid tribute to Müller on Instagram, thanking him for his contributions to the DFB team and sharing memories of their time together.
- Bastian Schweinsteiger, a former teammate of Müller, also took to Instagram to express his admiration, calling Müller a great player and even better person.
- Emre Can, a current teammate, also joined the chorus of appreciation, labelling Müller as a legend.
- Holger Badstuber, a long-time colleague of Müller, praised Müller's passion, fighting spirit, and relentless effort, calling him a true legend.
- Even beyond football, Müller inspired respect and admiration from figures like Felix Neureuther, Boris Becker, and Stefan Kretzschmar, who commented on his retirement announcement with words of appreciation.
