Müller retires from Germany duty with 131 caps
Thomas Müller has confirmed his retirement from Germany duty after their exit from Euro 2024, ending his international career with 131 caps and 45 goals.
The Bayern Munich forward is third in all-time appearances for Germany’s men’s team, trailing only Miroslav Klose (137) and Lothar Matthäus (150).
“It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together,” Müller said in a farewell video on social media.
“When I had the privilege of making my first international appearance, 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.”
“Nobody is like Thomas Muller. His value for German football cannot be overestimated,” German national team chief Rudi Voeller said in a statement.
“Regardless of whether he’s been with Bayern or the national team for all these years, Thomas has always given every team a face, an exemplary character and a top striker.”
Müller made his debut for the national team in a friendly against Argentina in 2010 and emerged into prominence during that year’s World Cup, scoring five goals and providing three assists to finish as the Golden Boot winner.
The 34-year-old made the perfect start to the 2014 World Cup, scoring a hat trick in Germany’s opening group game against Portugal. He started all seven of Germany’s games at the tournament, scoring in three of them including the famous 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semifinal.
Müller played the full 120 minutes of the final against Argentina as Joachim Löw’s team won 1-0 to win the World Cup.
Müller’s decision means that Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann will be without another of the national team’s longstanding members after Toni Kroos retired from all football after the quarterfinal defeat to Spain.
The international future of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also in doubt. Neuer, 38, is Germany’s fifth most-capped player with 124 appearances.
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.
