Thomas Müller in Canada: Former Bayern star greeted by chief and fans

Vancouver. Former national soccer player Thomas Müller celebrated with fans of his new club, the Vancouver Whitecaps, at the airport upon his arrival in Canada. The longtime Bayern Munich player landed in the West Coast metropolis around 2:00 a.m. German time and was greeted by representatives of the Musqueam tribe with a traditional drum march and a speech by Chief Wayne Sparrow.

The 2014 World Cup winner then signed the first autographs in the arrivals area of Vancouver International Airport and finally went to a sports bar on Level 3, where Whitecaps fans were watching the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal against Forge FC. The winner of the competition is the Canadian champion.

Members of the Musqueam tribe welcomed Thomas Müller with a traditional drum march.

Source: ZUMA / Zuma Press

The 35-year-old also addressed a few brief words to the fans in the sports bar. "I'm happy to be here and to be a Whitecap," said Müller. "We want to shape the future together. But first, the game is on, and we have to support them." The Canadian duel ultimately ended 2-2, but by that point, Müller had already been picked up in a dark van.

Thomas Müller signs his first autographs in Vancouver.

Source: IMAGO/ZUMA Press

On Thursday (6 p.m. CEST), the veteran, who became world-famous at FC Bayern Munich, will hold his first press conference since signing with the Whitecaps. The following day, Müller is scheduled to train with the team for the first time. The management of his new team expects Müller's debut in North America's Major League Soccer on Sunday against Houston Dynamo FC. The MLS season has been underway since February and has nothing to do with the Canadian Championship.

Müller has signed a contract with the Whitecaps until the end of next season. His expiring contract with FC Bayern Munich was not renewed.

RND/dpa