Thomas Müller exudes joy and satisfaction following his record-breaking performance and achieving his coveted goal.
Thomas Muller has left his mark. No footballer has featured more times for German champions Bayern Munich than the 34-year-old legend. Yet, it seems his tenure isn't closing anytime soon. And one Bayern star will keep holding a special place in Muller's heart.
In the realm of record-breaking Bayern Munich players, Thomas Muller is outshone by a singular figure. Reiterating a sentiment often espoused by Uli Hoeneß, Muller declared: "Let me say it again, Gerd Muller is simply the greatest, as this club might not have existed in its current form without him." Following his 710th competitive outing with Bayern, Muller surpassed legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier.
Max Eberl, sporting director at Bayern, considers Muller as worthy of a place in the rich pantheon of club legends – including the likes of Gerd Muller, Maier, Franz Beckenbauer, and Hoeneß. Post-game, Muller was lauded by teammates with three red balloons bearing the number 710 in the Bayern locker room.
"Committed 100% for Bayern 710 times"
Joshua Kimmich admired Muller's record-breaking total. "To play 710 games with more than 100% commitment is truly impressive, especially when you've experienced the intensity of playing 50 games in a season. That's a big deal – for a club!" After the encounter, fans in Bayern's south stand of the Allianz Arena celebrated Muller with a banner reading: "Committed 100% for Bayern 710 times and counting. Thank you, Chapeau, and keep it up – Thomas."
Muller himself acknowledged the impact he's had on the club. "Reflecting on Bayern's journey 15 years ago, when I first started, to where it stands now in international prominence, I feel we've certainly contributed to its growth," Muller said post-Victory against SC Freiburg. Regardless, "Gerd scored 365 goals, I'd still place him above me," he added, chuckling. "But about the others," he continued, "we'll have to discuss that."
"Lingers up there in the brain"
Muller attributes sustaining this level of performance for such an extended period to "insanity." Against Freiburg, Muller demonstrated his continued importance with a sensational goal – contributing to the 2-0 scoreline. Speaking about his 245th goal, Muller described it as "bound to have a lasting impact, probably landing in my top ten in terms of quality."
Muller's contract will expire next summer. What then? "I'm grateful I'm physically fit," Muller revealed. "So the end isn't nigh just yet. We'll see how things turn out, in a relaxed manner." Vincent Kompany, Meyer's new coach, described Muller as "an outstanding, incredible talent." Reflecting on his first of the 710 competitive games, Kompany reminisced, "I experienced it as a player, back when I played for Hamburger SV." Muller's debut outing was way back in 2008, with Bayern hosting HSV.
Despite surpassing Sepp Maier's record at FC Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller still holds Gerd Muller in the highest regard, stating, "Gerd Muller is simply the greatest, as this club might not have existed in its current form without him."
Following his 710th competitive game with Bayern, Joshua Kimmich commended Muller's commitment, saying, "To play 710 games with more than 100% commitment is truly impressive, especially when you've experienced the intensity of playing 50 games in a season. That's a big deal – for a club!"
