After almost 20 years, one of the greatest success stories in the club’s history came to an end in the summer: Thomas Müller and FC Bayern have gone their separate ways since this season. Head of Sport Max Eberl has now spoken about the reasons behind the separation – and revealed how difficult it was to say goodbye to the club icon.
In an interview with the magazine 11Freunde, Eberl provided a rare insight into the record champions‘ decision-making process. According to him, the decision not to extend the 2014 world champion’s contract, which was due to expire in the summer, was made in spring 2025 – for purely sporting reasons.
„With Thomas, we ultimately decided in the spring that we wanted to do something different in view of his sporting development,“ explained Eberl. Money was never an issue: „To be honest, we didn’t talk about money with Thomas at all. It was much more about the squad idea.“
„Everyone would have liked to keep him as a player“
The decision to part ways with the most successful player in the club’s history was visibly difficult for those responsible. „Everyone would have loved to keep him at FC Bayern, he is one of the greatest players to have ever worn the club’s shirt,“ said Eberl.
Nevertheless, it was clear to the sporting management that an extension just out of sentimentality would not have been the right way to go. After 13 championships, six DFB Cup wins and two Champions League titles, they wanted to continue the generational change consistently – without compromise.
„It wouldn’t have done him justice to give him any kind of role. We communicated this openly to him in March,“ Eberl continued. „A tough decision, a tough conversation – but we parted on good terms.“
Müller gets off to a flying start in Canada
After his emotional departure in May, the native of Upper Bavaria joined MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps – where he impressively showed that he is far from being an old hand. In his first eight games for the Canadians, Müller scored eight goals and quickly became a crowd favourite.
Nevertheless, the 36-year-old will never be forgotten at FC Bayern. With over 700 competitive matches, more than 230 goals and countless titles, Thomas Müller is the most successful player in the club’s history – and a figure of identification who has an impact far beyond the pitch.