Updated 12/11/2024 – 3:24 p.mReading time: 4 minutes
Bayern’s victory at Schalke against Donetsk turns into a Thomas Müller show. The veteran is living his last big career dream. But for how much longer?
In a great mood after Bayern’s third Champions League win in a row, the 35-year-old grinned and intervened as a translator in a Prime Video interview with coach Vincent Kompany (you can read more about the funny moment here). When the Belgian was asked where the trip was going, Müller initially jokingly interjected: “The return trip.” He then explained to Kompany: “He wanted to know if we wanted to win the Champions League.” And gave the answer himself: “Yes, we want that, but there is still a long way to go.”
The “finale at home” on May 31st in Munich is the dream goal of all Bavarians. After the Champions League title was dramatically snatched away from the record champions in 2012 by Chelsea FC in their own stadium, the title is set to be won in the final at the Allianz Arena this year. For Müller, who suffered on the pitch in 2012, his third Champions League triumph could be the crowning glory of a brilliant career. It is Müller’s last big career dream. The end is near.
The club idol’s contract ends in the summer. What happens next is still unclear. Müller, who is otherwise so talkative, still answers such questions either evasively or not at all. This leaves all options open. The speculation ranges from a renewed contract extension with Bayern by one year to a possible foreign adventure in the USA, for example, to a direct transition to a responsible position at the record champions. Everything seems possible with Müller.
Kompany also “didn’t want to talk about Müller’s future” on Tuesday evening. However, he still sent Kompany slight signals that could speak for a desired contract extension. “It has always been clear that he continues to play a very important role for us. Even if he no longer plays every minute. But he is still a player with a big influence, not just on the pitch,” said Kompany.
Not only, but also. Müller scored his first goal in the premier class this season against Donetsk. Bayern’s vice-captain has now scored in 16 Champions League seasons – the record of a world star. “His goal shows the quality that he has always had in his career. Being in the right place at the right moment and then scoring the goal very efficiently,” praised Kompany Müller’s action to make it 2-1 shortly before half-time (44. Minute) – Müller’s first goal ever for Bayern in 100 days and at the beginning of September.
Müller was even more pleased about something he did shortly after the break, when he blocked an almost certain goal from Donetsk just in front of his own goal line with the tip of his foot (48th). “That was better than the goal, I’ll tell you that,” Müller grinned afterwards. “It’s not every day that you experience a rescue operation like that as an offensive player. I think you could see in my eyes that it was a lot of fun. I actually had a good view of it and I thought: Now the bell is ringing. And I did then got another foot on it.”