BERLIN: Bayern Munich favorite Thomas Müller could be about to end his career as media reports suggest the club will not extend his contract at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old Müller’s current deal runs only through June and both SportBild and Kicker magazine were reporting that Bayern would prefer to save his considerable wage packet than offer him a new one.
Müller made his Bayern debut under Jürgen Klinsmann in 2008 and his breakthrough came under Louis van Gaal the following season. He has since made more appearances than any other player at the club, 742 across all competitions (with 247 goals) including super cups and club world championships.
He has gone on to win a record 12 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues – and he may win more because Bayern lead the former by six points with seven games remaining, and faces Inter Milan in the Champions League quarterfinals. Munich hosts the final in May.
Müller, who joined Bayern’s youth setup in 2000, brings vast experience and intelligence to the team, but his playing time has been limited. Of his 23 Bundesliga appearances, 15 were as a substitute this season. It’s similar in the Champions League with just three starts from 10 appearances. If he plays at all it’s often just for the final minutes. Last weekend, he went on in the 85th against St. Pauli, and the 87th against Stuttgart last month.
SportBild reported that Bayern’s board member for sport Max Eberl informed the player’s representatives two weeks ago that the club decided not to renew his deal, in contrast to the new contracts for teammates Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, all recently announced.
Müller reportedly wanted to play on for another season.
Bayern may opt to give the player a short contract extension so he can play at the inaugural Club World Cup in the United States this summer, but Müller will likely have to be content with “just” 13 Bundesliga titles.
Müller retired from international soccer after the European Championship last year, having clocked 131 appearances for Germany. He wore No. 13 for Germany, and always said it was his lucky number.
