German footballing great Thomas Muller announced retirement from international football after the UEFA Euro 2024 concluded with Spain winning the continental tournament for the fourth time. The 34-year-old played 131 times for the national side and scored 45 goals while winning the FIFA World Cup 2014.
The 34-year-old predominantly had a bench role through this summer’s European Championship. The Bayern Munich star played 56 minutes over two games but failed to guide Die Mannschaft to the promised land as the hosts were knocked out in the quarterfinal stage by eventual winners Spain.
Muller announces retirement from international football
Confirming his decision to retire, Thomas Muller, in a YouTube video, said “It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together. When I had the privilege of making my first international appearance over 14 years ago, I would never have dreamed of all this. I would like to say thank you to all the fans and my Germany teammates for their support over the years. Take the enthusiasm and joy of this year’s EUROS with you.”
Nevertheless, the time has come : H erbert Hainer on Muller’s retirement
Commenting on Muller’s retirement, president of FC Bayern Herbert Hainer said, “Thomas Müller played for the German national team for over 14 years. He made an incredible 131 international appearances, with his crowning glory coming in 2014 when he won the World Cup. The younger generation doesn’t know the national team without Thomas Müller and I can’t really imagine it without him.”
“Nevertheless, the time has come: with the retirement of Thomas Müller, one of the all-time greats has taken off the DFB jersey for good. On behalf of football fans everywhere, I would like to thank Thomas for his superb performances and the style-defining way he played for the national team. And as president of FC Bayern, I’m delighted that Thomas will continue to play for our club.”