Thomas Muller’s identify now sits beside Lionel Messi’s within the Champions League historical past books. However the file itself wasn’t the headline — it was the way it got here and what may come subsequent.
On a tense evening on the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Muller quietly achieved a milestone that solely a handful of gamers have ever reached. And but, his physique language after the ultimate whistle, coupled with Bayern Munich’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, hinted at a deeper narrative — one which may sign the shut of a rare European chapter for the 35-year-old German.
It had all of the makings of a dramatic comeback. Bayern trailed Inter 2-1 from the primary leg and wanted a powerful exhibiting on the San Siro. Harry Kane gave them a lead within the 52nd minute, however Inter replied with two objectives earlier than Eric Dier leveled the sport at 2-2. The guests pressed on, determined for a late winner to maintain their European desires alive.
Within the dying minutes, an opportunity fell to Muller. He rose excessive, met the ball with a trademark header, however Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer was equal to it. The total-time whistle confirmed the Bavarians’ 4-3 combination defeat, and with it, probably Muller’s final Champions League look.
But amid the heartbreak was historical past: Muller made his 163rd Champions League look, drawing stage with Lionel Messi for third place on the all-time listing. “It received’t be,” the German veteran stated earlier than the match when requested if it is perhaps his final European evening. For a second, it seemed like he is perhaps proper. However now, the indicators seem to counsel in any other case.
The milestone and the gamers forward
Cristiano Ronaldo nonetheless leads the looks chart with 183 video games, adopted by Iker Casillas with 177. Muller and Messi now share third at 163, as per Transfermarkt.
😢 Thomas Muller’s Champions League profession might’ve ended tonight
The Bayern Munich legend levelled Lionel Messi with 163 appearances within the competitors
However not like Messi, who cut up his Champions League appearances between Barcelona and PSG, Muller’s had been all for one membership — Bayern Munich. Since his debut in 2008, the German star has performed in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons, scoring 57 objectives and offering 34 assists, and profitable the title twice (2013, 2020).
“In the mean time, I’m simply specializing in the upcoming duties of this season,” the ahead stated when requested about his future. However hypothesis is mounting.
What’s subsequent for Muller?
Together with his contract expiring in July 2025, Bayern has already confirmed that the 35-year-old ace will go away the membership after the Membership World Cup. That has opened the floodgates of curiosity.
MLS golf equipment like San Diego FC, FC Cincinnati, and LAFC are reportedly lining up provides. In the meantime, Brazilian giants Internacional are pushing exhausting to deliver him to South America.
It will, in reality, mirror current Brazilian swoops for big-name stars like Luis Suarez, who featured for Gremio earlier than his Inter Miami transfer, and Memphis Depay. As well as, even Serie A additionally stays a viable choice, with Fiorentina maintaining shut tabs, as per Sky Germany’s journalist Florian Plettenberg.
