THOMAS MULLER has admitted that he wanted to stay at Bayern Munich for another year.
The Bundesliga giants have confirmed that Muller will leave at the end of the season following 25 years at Bayern.
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Muller, 35, had been set to pen a 12-month extension, only for Bayern to withdraw their contract offer.
Amid news breaking of his impending departure, the 12-time Bundesliga champion penned an emotional letter to fans.
It read: “After a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to you as an opportunity to clarify things.
“Even after all these years, regardless of my playing minutes, I still have a lot of fun being on the pitch with the boys and fighting for titles together for our colours. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well.
“However, the club made a conscious decision not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season.
“Even if this was not in line with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step, which the Executive Board and Supervisory Board certainly did not take lightly.
“I understandably did not like the back and forth in public over the past weeks and months.
“However, I feel the same way about my football game: it wasn’t always characterised by perfection either, but rather by thinking positively ahead to the next action.
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“After a misplaced pass, you have to win the ball back with team unity. Over the past few days, we have also managed to do this in trusting discussions.
“I can feel the appreciation from everyone involved for my long time at @fcbayern and feel deep joy at having played for my favourite club for 25 incredibly intense years.
“I will always remember so many great moments together.”
Muller has played 743 times for Bayern – scoring 247 goals and laying on 273 assists.
The veteran forward has found his minutes limited this season, starting just eight of his side’s 28 Bundesliga matches thus far, scoring once.
Muller has won several trophies during his time at Bayern, including 12 league titles, six domestic cups and two Champions Leagues.
The popular figure has also excelled at international level – scoring 45 goals in 131 Germany appearances and winning the World Cup in 2014.
Muller is not expected to retire upon his Bayern exit this summer.
According to German outlet Bild, Muller could join Bayern’s partner club LAFC.
It’s claimed that he could combine playing for the MLS side with becoming a Bayern club ambassador in the United States.
