Thomas Müller calls it a day in the DFB team
Thomas Müller ended his career in the German football national team. This was reported by "Bild". After 131 games, it's over, the EM-quarterfinal against Spain was his last game for the Bayern professional. However, he will fulfill his contract in Munich, according to "Bild".
World champion and fan favorite Thomas Müller is making headlines in the media for reportedly ending his international career with the German team. The 34-year-old made this decision, according to "Bild". After the quarterfinal exit at home EM against Spain, Müller had announced a conversation with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Müller has played 131 times for Germany since his debut in March 2010 in a WM test against Argentina (0:1) in his hometown of Munich. Only Lothar Matthäus (150) and Miroslav Klose (137) have appeared more often for the DFB team. The World Cup winner of 2014 will fulfill his contract with FC Bayern Munchen, according to "Bild" further.
Before his debut, Maradona had invited Müller as a guest coach for a young player. A few months later, Müller sent Argentina and Maradona home with a goal in the WM quarterfinal in Cape Town with a score of 4:0. With five goals, the then 20-year-old was the top scorer in South Africa. Four years later, Müller was again successful five times at the World Cup - his significant contribution to the triumph in Brazil.
Curiously, Müller failed to score a goal at European Championships. In 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024, he was present. At the home tournament, the Munich native no longer played a major role.
Already sorted out
National team coach Julian Nagelsmann had described him as a "connector" and "lubricant" for the good atmosphere between younger and older players. He only 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 team after the early World Cup exit in Russia 2018 was marked by ups and downs. 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 - without Fortuna. In the EM round of 16 against England (0:2), he missed a big equalizing chance.
Löw's successor Hansi Flick initially also did without Müller at the World Cup 2022, but he was there again. After the disappointing group stage exit 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 gave my heart in every game." This was interpreted as a retirement announcement at the time. Müller assured, however, that nothing had changed in his attitude during the home EM.
In light of his international retirement announcement, the European Football Championship 2024 will likely be Müller's last tournament as a spectator, not a participant. Despite ending his national team career, Julian Nagelsmann still has the services of Thomas Müller with FC Bayern Munich, as per reports. Despite his retirement, Müller will still contribute to FC Bayern Munich's success in the future, as evidenced by his contract with the German football giant.
