Munich (AP) – Thomas Müller has seriously considered a change three times in his long career at FC Bayern Munich.
The first time this was with an offer from Ralf Rangnick for a transfer to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the second half of the 2008/2009 season, said the national soccer player in an interview with “Merkur” and “tz”. At that time, Müller was still playing for the Bayern amateurs and would have had the prospect of a regular place in the Bundesliga at Hoffenheim. “In retrospect, fortunately Hermann Gerland fought against it with all his might and prevented the transfer,” said Müller.
A few years later, coach Louis van Gaal lured him to Manchester United. “My thoughts were on the track that I could imagine playing under my “discoverer” again,” explained Müller. FC Bayern rejected a transfer despite a high offer from United. “That was a huge vote of confidence on the part of FCB,” said the 32-year-old.
He was tempted again in 2019 when he was often just a substitute under the then coach Niko Kovac. “For me, it’s primarily about whether it’s sporty, whether I can live out my love of football on the pitch,” said Müller. That’s why he wanted to talk to the club. “Of course I was aware that you don’t sign a contract with the passage: only to be fulfilled if you’re in a good mood,” admitted Müller.
Kovac had to leave Bayern in November 2019. Under his successor Hansi Flick, Müller once again played a key role in Munich’s midfield. At the beginning of May, he extended his contract, which expires in 2023, by a year until mid-2024. There is no clause for a further extension until 2025, said Müller.