FC Bayern: Emotional farewell for Thomas Müller in Munich

The final curtain has fallen, the last Thomas Müller party in the Allianz Arena's history. All 75,000 fans, assuming they support FC Bayern Munich—okay, not the approximately 7,000 Gladbach fans who traveled with them—and all Müller fans (who doesn't?), will never forget this emotional evening in Munich. This inimitable one-man show amidst the celebrations of FC Bayern's 34th league title. Simply Müller. Or to put it another way: Radio Müller delivered one of its best programs.

The highlight: In the spotlight and amidst a line of teammates, coaches, and support staff, Müller was given the stadium microphone and delivered an exhilarating farewell speech. "Dear people, we all knew it, I knew it, that this day would come." A dramatic pause. He roared: "I'm very happy that we have the trophy back in Munich." After words of thanks, he concluded with the words: "I will be leaving this big stage; I loved being the modern-day gladiator. But I'm not sad; I'm looking forward to what's to come – even if it won't be half as beautiful. I love you all! Take care, Servus!" The 35-year-old's final words were drowned out by the cheers of the fans.

Pure joy: Thomas Müller (right) presents the championship trophy with Leroy Sané.

Source: Tom Weller/dpa

Even before kickoff on this sunny spring day, everything revolved around Müller: The fact that it was Matchday 33, the last home game of the season? The fact that the championship trophy would be presented to the new champions after the match? Initially, it was a minor matter. All eyes were almost entirely on him. The most loyal fans dedicated a grand choreography to Müller in the south stand. "For 25 years, everything for our colors," was written in white on red between the middle and lower tiers, with the name of the protagonist in enormous letters below: Thomas Müller.

Before kickoff, the FCB board, which had decided together with honorary president Uli Hoeneß not to give Müller a contract, paid its respects: CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, deputy Michael Diederich, and the sporting director appeared – appropriately for the occasion – in traditional costume. Müller did not receive a new contract, but instead received a bouquet of flowers, a framed picture with a ribbon (of himself amidst all his trophies), and a Bavarian playing card. For the passionate Schafkopf player, Müller was given the Eichel-Ober figure, because, according to stadium announcer Stephan Lehmann, "no one can beat him." In the VIP box, his parents Klaudia, wearing a fan scarf, and father Gerhard struggled with their emotions.

In his 750th competitive match, Müller did not play as captain. Manuel Neuer claimed the armband, who also had something to celebrate after a two-month injury layoff (two torn calf muscle fibers). And unlike Müller, the goalkeeper, despite being four years older, has been given a contract until the end of the coming season. Müller and Neuer shared almost every title, most notably the treble triumphs of 2013 and 2020, as well as the 2014 World Cup victory.

The goal of the game, which had no real significance in purely sporting terms? To set up Müller. For his 249th goal in 750th competitive game? For his 151st goal in 502nd Bundesliga appearance? His best chance came shortly after the break. A gap, a typical Müller turn, a shot – no goal. Borussia goalkeeper Jonas Omlin parried. "Come on, Müller, score a goal!" chanted the fans. Another left-footed shot from Müller was blocked for a corner (68th minute). The third attempted shot – over (78th minute). It wasn't meant to be. Then came the substitution in the 83rd minute.

The stadium announcer cleared his throat. The entire stadium rose to its feet, his teammates forming a line through which Müller ran to the bench. There were warm hugs from Neuer and his strike partner Harry Kane. The "Müller" chant echoed through the arena six times one last time, signaling: Servus, Thomas! It's over, a legend – at least in a home game. The celebrated player was touched and thanked everyone for the chants. Michael Olise made it 2-0 in the 90th minute, after Harry Kane had headed in the first-half lead. A beautiful touch.

In his farewell home game, Müller had 47 touches of the ball and made 28 passes, 68 percent of which were successful. Three crosses, four dribbles, three shots on goal, no goals. No matter. Legends don't have to score in their final match.

At the championship ceremony, Müller, born in Weilheim, Upper Bavaria, was the last to leave the catacombs and was given the big stage once more. Captain Neuer let him go first, lifting the trophy one last time, for the 13th time. Honor where honor is due. The team and coaching staff walked out onto the curve with the trophy, and Müller walked straight into the curve with the trophy – onto the lead singers' podium. The ultras presented him with a red jersey bearing the number 25. He led the way, singing "I live for Bavaria, I'll never let you down!"

As if all that wasn't enough, the Karl Valentin moment of the evening followed: While the other players poured wheat beer over each other from three-liter tankards, Müller grabbed the microphone again and began: "I've prepared another joke." And it went like this - slightly shortened: "A father is dying. All his children are standing around his bed. The kitchen smells of cake. The father says to one of his sons: "Please get me a piece of cake before I die!" The son leaves and comes back immediately afterwards. Without cake. "Where is the cake?" asks the father. To which the son replies: "Mom said it's for after the funeral!" It couldn't be more typical of Radio Müller.