SPORT

Thomas Mueller Retires from Germany Team After Euro 2024

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 15, 2024

News Views: 43

Germany striker Thomas Mueller announced his retirement from international football on Monday following a disappointing Euro 2024, where the host nation was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

“After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye,” Mueller stated in a video message. The 34-year-old forward, who turns 35 in September, was a crucial member of the German squad that won the 2014 World Cup.

Mueller, renowned for his charismatic presence on the field, scored the opening goal in Germany’s memorable 7-1 victory over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

Reflecting on his career, Mueller said, “When I played my first international match for the German national team over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this. It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together.”

Following Germany’s exit from Euro 2024, a tearful Mueller had hinted at retirement. The tournament hosts were defeated 2-1 by Spain in the quarter-finals, with Spain eventually winning the trophy against England on Sunday.

After the loss to Spain, Mueller mentioned he would consult with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann to determine if stepping aside for younger players was the “sensible option.”

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains the only member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team still active in the national squad. Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos had already announced his retirement from football prior to Euro 2024.

Unlike Kroos, Mueller will continue playing for his club, Bayern Munich, where he is under contract until 2025. Mueller ranks third in appearances for Germany, behind Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose, and is the country’s sixth highest goal scorer of all time.