Saying Goodbye: FC Bayern Bids Adieu to Thomas Müller After a Quarter-Century
Bayern Munich offers a unique present to Thomas Müller
Take a seat, grab a beer, and prepare for a heartrending tale of football farewells. Thomas Müller, the man who has worn the famous red and white FC Bayern Munich jersey for a whopping 25 years, is calling it quits this summer. His final trip to the Allianz Arena was a tear-jerking display of love and gratitude from both club and fans.
Before the kickoff of his last home game as a Bayern player, a moving ceremony took place to honor Müller. Club president Herbert Hainer and the board presented him with a bouquet of flowers, a picture, a Schafkopf card – a thoughtful nod to his passion for the game – and a contribution to his "Young Wings" foundation. The opponent, Borussia Mönchengladbach, chipped in with a framed picture as well.
The south stand of the arena was adorned with a giant Thomas Müller banner, bearing the inscription, "For 25 years, everything for our colors!" The crowd roared as Tenor Jonas Kaufmann took the stage to sing the new club anthem, followed by emotional words for Müller. "A thousand thanks, Thomas," he said, voice cracking with emotion.
Victory for the Champs
With this game being Müller's last in the Allianz Arena as a member of Bayern, the team is determined to send him off with a victory. Coach Vincent Kompany emphasized the importance of giving Müller a memorable send-off, calling this match more than just a regular game. It's a celebration of Müller's tenure with Bayern.
As the Bundesliga season nears its end, the team will make their way to Hoffenheim for their final league match. After that, they'll head to the USA for the Club World Cup in June and July. Before any of that, however, they plan to hoist the championship trophy during Müller's farewell.
Eric Dier's Munich Exit
While Müller was enjoying his farewell, another player was making his own plans for departure – defender Eric Dier, who is expected to join Monaco after Bayern's summer transfer window.
The Return of Manuel Neuer
In the midst of all the farewells, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is making his comeback, having been out since early March due to injury. At 39 years and 44 days, he'll become the second-oldest Bundesliga player for FC Bayern, behind only Bernd Dreher.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/sid/dpa
- Thomas Müller
- FC Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga
- Football
[1] Opta data service reveals that Müller has contributed to 13 Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokal wins, eight DFL-Supercups, and two Champions League victories since his senior debut in 2008.
- The "Young Wings" foundation, a charitable initiative supported by Thomas Müller, received a symbolic contribution during his farewell ceremony at the Allianz Arena.
- Despite the emotional goodbye, FC Bayern remains focused on their sports objectives, aiming to give Thomas Müller a victorious send-off in his last home game as a Bayern player.
- As Thomas Müller prepares to say goodbye to FC Bayern Munich, fellow player Eric Dier is planning his own departure from the club, expected to join Monaco this summer.
- In a surprising twist, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who has been out injured since early March, is making his return to FC Bayern Munich, poised to become the second-oldest Bundesliga player for the club, following only Bernd Dreher.
