Thomas Müller is not just a footballer, he is an institution. For FC Bayern and his fans, he embodies the essence of the association: honesty, down -to -earthness and absolute loyalty. For almost two decades he has been running in the red jersey, fights, Rackert, scores goals – and is always good for a saying. Hardly any other player has shaped Bavaria over as many years as he was. Therefore, it is only logical that Müller is already a monument.
Who, if not he? Müller is a 13-fold German champion, two-time Champions League winner and world champion-there is nothing more.
In addition, while other stars went abroad for the big money, Müller remained loyal to his club. He is the “Bayer” par excellence, a crowd favorite, a player to touch. It has long been immortal for fans. The fact that there is already a petition that demands that the number 25 pull the number 25 out of circulation forever shows that there is hardly any other player who is so closely linked to the club and its values.
The Bayern bosses have to act now-not only when Müller has long since announced his end of his career or much later. What else do the late Gerd Müller and Franz Beckenbauer have from their monuments? Beckenbauer in particular could have used this appreciation much more during his lifetime.
An oversized Müller jersey with number 25 under the stadium roof would be a strong signal. Or a statue in front of the Allianz Arena, which shows Müller’s famous cheers. The address “Thomas-Müller-Platz 25”? Also worth considering. Such a gesture would be important, especially now, in times when fans are more and more alienated by their clubs. Müller has earned more than. If not he, who then?
Especially since Müller can stay in Munich despite his farewell – if not as a player, then at least as a monument.