Thomas Müller says goodbye to the national team. Former and current colleagues react with emotional messages.
After 131 international matches and 45 goals, Thomas Müller (34) announced his retirement on Monday (July 15). Numerous colleagues, fans and companions reacted online to the 2014 World Champion’s DFB farewell.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (63) describes Müller in a statement as “an exceptional footballer in every respect”. “His achievements and his titles speak for themselves. With his goals and his wit, he played a key role in shaping one of the most successful periods in the history of our national team, crowned by the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil,” said Neuendorf. “I have always admired Thomas Müller’s footballing qualities. But also his down-to-earth character, his humour and his intelligence. Our team will miss Thomas Müller the player, and Thomas Müller the person at least as much.”
National coach Julian Nagelsmann (36) is “grateful that I was able to accompany Thomas for part of his career, with the national team and at FC Bayern.” He said that working together was a pleasure. “Thomas is a passionate professional who is just as passionate about football as he was on the first day.” He experienced Müller as “a very intelligent player – football-wise, emotionally and fundamentally.” “As much as I regret that he will no longer be with us, I have great hope that Thomas will continue to shape German football in the future – as a player for FC Bayern and in other roles in the future.”
For national team director Rudi Völler (64), Müller is incomparable: “His value for German football cannot be overestimated. Regardless of whether he has spent all his years at FC Bayern or with the national team – with Thomas, every team has not only had a top striker, but also a face, an exemplary character.”
How Manuel Neuer and Co. react to Thomas Müller’s DFB resignation
How popular Thomas Müller was among his teammates is evident from their reactions to his announcement. National goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (38) was one of the first to speak out on Instagram. “LEGEND! THANK YOU THOMAS!” wrote the goalkeeper, who began his DFB career at about the same time as Müller. Neuer shared several photos with Müller and wrote: “Thank you for everything in the DFB team, Thomas!”
National team colleague Antonio Rüdiger (31) shared a picture with Müller and also wrote “Legend”. Emre Can (30) also wrote. Niclas Füllkrug (31) wrote “Thank you, legend! It’s amazing what you’ve done for our national team… Servus, Thomas!” and added sad emojis and hearts in the German colors.
Young player Florian Wirtz (21) commented briefly on Müller’s farewell video: “It was an honor.” National players such as Marco Reus (35), David Raum (26) and Karim Adeyemi (22) also praised Müller as a “legend.” Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp (34) captioned the post with a crying emoji and a heart. National team legend Lothar Matthäus (63) wrote: “The one and only.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger reacts to Müller’s DFB exit
Bastian Schweinsteiger (39), who played for the DFB and Bayern alongside Thomas Müller for many years, dedicated his message to Müller: “Dear Thomas, what an incredible journey with the DFB team! Together we were able to experience many great victories and bitter moments in the jersey with the eagle on our chest – with the highlight in 2014 in Brazil. Thank you for everything you have done for the German jersey. Germany can be proud of you!” He added with a winking smiley: “PS: Hopefully you will continue to be successful in the Bayern jersey for another season or two.” Müller is under contract with FC Bayern until 2025.
Holger Badstuber (35), also a long-time colleague at the DFB and FCB, said: “Chapeau to your great career in the national jersey! Your passion, your fighting spirit and your tireless commitment have made you a true legend. It was an honor to share some of these moments with you. Here’s to a continued successful time in the Bayern jersey!”
President Herbert Hainer is also hoping for more games at FC Bayern, where Müller has played continuously since 2008: “The younger generation doesn’t know the DFB team without Thomas Müller and I can’t really imagine it without him. Nevertheless, the time has now come: with Thomas Müller’s retirement, one of the greats is taking off his DFB jersey for good,” he is quoted as saying. “On behalf of all football fans, I would like to thank Thomas very much for his great performances and his style-defining manner in the national team. And as President of FC Bayern, I am delighted that Thomas will continue to play for our club.”
“Impeccable guy”
Thomas Müller also influenced and inspired people beyond football. Ski racer Felix Neureuther (40) commented on Müller’s post with the words: “Influential for many generations!!! Thank you for that.” Tennis legend Boris Becker (56) shared the announcement of Müller’s DFB exit in his story and wrote “Thank you, Thomas.” Former handball pro Stefan Kretzschmar (51) wrote: “You will be missed. Impeccable guy. A great man. Both humanly and athletically. Only the best for you.”
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
