Thomas Muller is set to make his 500th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern Munich, potentially winning his 13th league title before leaving the club this summer.
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 25 (Xinhua) -- In his 25 years wearing Bayern Munich's colors, Bavarian icon Thomas Muller has never lost his "inner passion."
As Bayern prepares to face FSV Mainz 05 this Saturday, Muller is on the verge of joining an exclusive group of players who have made 500 or more league appearances. Like the leading figure on that list, former Frankfurt defender and German international Karl-Heinz Korbel (602), Muller has spent his entire career in the Bundesliga with a single club.
As his career in Munich approaches its end this summer, the 2014 FIFA World Champion faces the reality that the only club he has ever played for professionally is not extending his contract.
Since the announcement, rumors about Muller's future have intensified, with various clubs in Italy, Türkiye, Japan, England, and the United States reportedly vying for his signature. According to the tabloid Bild, there are two likely scenarios: Muller could either conclude his career in the summer of 2025 or spend an additional year playing for Bayern's MLS partner, Los Angeles FC.
Despite the bittersweet decision to leave Bayern, there is still much to celebrate. This weekend, the German record champions can secure their 34th national title, while Muller approaches the milestone of his 13th league title - a remarkable achievement.
With a comfortable eight-point lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern and Muller could clinch the championship title after just 31 rounds of matches, a feat they have accomplished six times in the past. The only other team to achieve such dominance was Werder Bremen in the 1987-88 season, underscoring Bayern's superiority and Muller's enduring influence.
While Muller grapples with how to conclude his career, he has been granted a farewell match by Bayern. Three Lions captain Harry Kane is also on the cusp of obtaining his first career title.
"If we win it, I am especially proud and happy for him," Bayern supervisory board member Uli Hoeness said.
Muller may have the chance to connect with his prospective U.S. club during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, taking place in the United States from June 14 to July 13.
Describing himself as an "eternal competitor," Muller is not contemplating retirement just yet. However, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany indicated that Muller may start on the bench against Mainz due to minor health issues this week. Even if he has missed three days of training, it's unlikely to hold him back. The clash against Mainz marks Muller's second-to-last league game on home soil.
Regardless of how things unfold this weekend, Muller remains immersed in his competitive mindset.
"I don't think about my farewell at the moment, I am much more in a tunnel on the way to the 2024-25 title," the striker said.■