National team: Thomas Müller ends his DFB career

Thomas Müller officially ended his career in the German national football team. The 2014 world champion said goodbye after 131 international games with 45 goals.15.07.2024 | 0:22 min

“When I was allowed to play my first international game more than 14 years ago, I would never have dreamed of all this. After 131 international games with 45 goals, I say hello to the Federal Eagle today,” said the 34-year-old. in a video message on Monday.

Video: Müller says goodbye to the DFB team

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The 2014 world champion continued that the DFB team had “great victories and bitter victories”: “Sometimes destroyed, only to get back up again – competing with the best players in the world and alongside excellent, experienced colleagues I have them pretty insurmountable. moments.”

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Maradona thinks Müller is a ball boy

Müller has played 131 times for Germany since making his debut in March 2010 in a World Cup friendly against Argentina (0-1) in his hometown of Munich. Only record holders Lothar Matthäus (150) and Miroslav Klose (137) have been used more often for the DFB team.

Before he started, Diego Maradona, as a guest coach, thought he was a ball boy. A few months later, Müller sent Argentina and Maradona home with a goal in the World Cup quarter-final in Cape Town, winning 4–0. With five goals, the 20-year-old became South Africa’s top scorer. Four years later, Müller again scored five times at the World Cup – his contribution to the victory in Brazil.

Strange: Müller was denied a goal at the European Championships. He took part in the continental championships in 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2024. The Munich player no longer played a major role in the domestic competition.

Müller as “lubricant”

National coach Julian Nagelsmann described him as a “connector” and “lubricant” for the good atmosphere between young and older players. It was only used as a joke in the opening match against Scotland (5:1) and in the big match against Spain but finally (1:2 nV). Müller’s time at DFB following his early exit from the 2018 World Cup in Russia was taking a turn for the worse.

Nagelsmann praised the down-to-earth Bavarian as “a passionate professional who is still as passionate about football as he was on day one.” Müller was “a leader, a role model, a figure of recognition”: “We will miss him very much.”

DFB recommendation for Müller

DFB sporting director Rudi Völler also praised Müller: “There is no one like Thomas Müller. His value to German football cannot be overestimated.”

With Thomas, every team had not only an outstanding striker but also an exemplary face and character.

Rudi Völler, DFB sporting director

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said: “Thomas Müller is an exceptional footballer in every way – a top professional and a real man. His achievements and titles speak for themselves. He has had one of the most successful periods in the history of our national team with his goals and “He played a central role in shaping his wit, crowned by the title of the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.”

I have always admired Thomas Müller’s quality of football. But also his down-to-earth character, his humor and his wisdom. Our team will miss the player Thomas Müller, and the person Thomas Müller at least as much.

Bernd Neuendorf, DFB President

He and Mats Hummels and Jérome Boateng were no longer considered by national coach Joachim Löw after the 2018 World Cup in March 2019 – a decision that was hotly debated at the time. But Müller came back to the 2021 European Championship – without Fortune. In the round of 16 of the European Championship against England (0-2) he missed a great chance to get equal.

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Müller “proud to be German”

After the European Championship match against Spain, Müller wrote on Instagram: “I’m proud to be part of this team and, above all, proud to be German. Thanks to everyone who supported us and who was a great host.”

Let’s put this feeling into our daily lives, especially in these current times.

Thomas Muller

Herbert Hainer (President of Bayern Munich):

“Thomas Müller played for the German national team for over 14 years, played an incredible 131 international matches and won the World Cup in 2014. The younger generation does not know a DFB team without Thomas Müller and would me without it I I can’t really bring it in, however, the time has come: as Thomas Müller retires, one of the processions is taking off his DFB jersey forever On behalf of all football fans, I would like to thank Thomas for his great achievements and his defining style “Thank you to the national team. And as president of FC Bayern, I am happy that Thomas will continue to play for our club.”

Bastian Schweinsteiger (World Cup 2014):

“Together we were able to experience many great victories and bitter moments in the jersey with the eagle on the chest – with the highlight in 2014 in Brazil. Thank you for everything you did for the German jersey. Germany can be proud of you! PS : I hope the Bayern jersey will last for another season or two.”

Manuel Neuer (national goalkeeper):

“Key! Thank you for everything in the DFB team!”

Holger Badstuber (former national player):

“Happy birthday to your amazing career in the national jersey! Your passion, your fighting spirit and your tireless commitment made you a true legend. It was an honor to share some of these moments with you.”

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Source: dpa, SID ZDF