Thomas Müller: Germany's Other Farewell in EURO 2024
Overshadowed by Toni Kroos's announced departure, the likely farewell of Thomas Müller, who was left in tears after Germany's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 Quarterfinals, received less attention than his teammate's. Kroos's departure was the center of attention, with his final moments in the spotlight, despite a tumultuous farewell.
Everyone witnessed Kroos's last match. His six minutes of fury, injuring Pedri and stepping on Yamine Lamal's foot, his uncharacteristic passing errors, his sadness over Dani Olmo's goal, his joy at Wirtz's equalizer, his despair at Mikel Merino's header, and his vacant stare at the final whistle—nothing about Kroos was left unsaid. But what about Müller?
Like Kroos, Müller, 34, concluded an illustrious career with Germany. Since starting with the under-16 team in 2004 to Euro 2024, he has shared similar successes and failures with his teammate. He participated in four World Cups (South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022) and four Euros (Poland and Ukraine 2012, France 2016, Europe 2020, and Germany 2024).
However, Müller did not approach Euro 2024 like Kroos. First, he did not announce his retirement from football after the tournament, diverting the spotlight away from him. Second, his role at Bayern Munich is no longer as pivotal, unlike Kroos's crucial presence at Real Madrid until the end.
"Realistically, today could have been my last game. Maybe tomorrow or in the coming days, I will have a private conversation with the national coach. We'll see how it goes. For me, the question of quitting playing for Germany, that won't happen," Müller stated.
His words hinted at a farewell. Although he never explicitly said he was leaving the national team like Kroos did in 2021, his diminishing role and relevance in the "Mannschaft" suggest he should step aside for new generations. Both at Bayern and with Germany, he is gradually losing the influence he once had on the field.
Müller still performs well, with 7 goals and 9 assists in 41 matches for Bayern this season, but he seems to sense the end of his time with Germany. Despite his resistance, his tears and comments reveal his awareness that his time is up. His was the other farewell, one overshadowed by Toni Kroos's exit.
