Germany striker Thomas Mueller stated on Monday that he was retiring from worldwide soccer after a disappointing Euro 2024 that noticed the host nation eradicated within the quarterfinals.
“After 131 nationwide staff video games and 45 targets, I’m saying goodbye,” Mueller stated in a video assertion asserting his determination.
Mueller, who turns 35 in September, was a key member of the German staff that received the 2014 World Cup.
The charismatic ahead additionally scored the opening objective in Germany’s unforgettable 7-1 win over the hosts Brazil within the semifinal.
“After I performed my first worldwide match for the German nationwide staff over 14 years in the past, I may by no means have dreamed of all this,” Mueller stated within the video.
“It all the time made me very proud to play for my nation. We celebrated collectively and generally shed a tear collectively,” he stated.
A tearful Mueller had hinted at retirement following Germany’s exit from Euro 2024.
The event hosts misplaced 2-1 within the quarterfinal to Spain, who went on to raise the trophy on Sunday in opposition to England.
After the Spain recreation, Mueller stated he would maintain talks with nationwide staff coach Julian Nagelsmann and determine whether or not it was the “smart choice” to step apart in favour of youthful gamers.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the one member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning aspect nonetheless concerned within the nationwide staff setup.
Germany and Actual Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos introduced earlier than Euro 2024 that he would retire from soccer after the event.
Not like Kroos, Mueller will proceed to play for his membership Bayern Munich, the place he’s underneath contract till 2025.
