Muller Reflects on Emotional Exit from Champions League
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Synopsis
Thomas Muller reflects on his emotional exit from the UEFA Champions League after Bayern Munich's defeat, with supporters chanting his name. He contemplates his legacy and the future, while acknowledging his love for competition.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Muller experiences a mix of emotions after Bayern's Champions League exit.
- Fans chant his name in a vacant stadium.
- Muller may have played his final Champions League match.
- His record includes 163 appearances and 57 goals.
- Focus shifts to the Bundesliga title race.
Berlin, April 17 (NationPress) As Thomas Muller grappled with Bayern Munich's exit from the UEFA Champions League, emotions surged as the 35-year-old departed the San Siro pitch following a post-match interview.
Thousands of loyal Bayern supporters who remained behind cheered the Bavarian legend's name in an otherwise vacant stadium. "This makes your body react," remarked the two-time Champions League victor, describing a "goosebumps feeling".
"You can't trigger goosebumps," he continued. "It happens spontaneously, revealing the emotions within you."
With his aspiration of reaching the 2025 final in Munich dashed, Muller may have played his final Champions League match in a career that has seen him don the Bayern shirt for 25 years, as reported by Xinhua.
While catching up to legends like Lionel Messi in appearances in the prestigious tournament offered little solace, Muller's record of 163 Champions League appearances and 57 goals ranks him just behind Cristiano Ronaldo (183) and Iker Casillas (177) on the all-time appearances leaderboard.
His teammates paid their respects as they passed by, hugging Muller and offering their congratulations after the quarterfinal setback.
Bayern's head coach, Vincent Kompany, acknowledged the forward's legacy: "In the months to come, we will fully grasp his significance. He is a legend," said the 39-year-old manager.
Muller swiftly shifted his attention to the Bundesliga title race: "In three days, we move on to Heidenheim."
"My family was nearby; it may have been more emotional for them. I still feel immersed in competition, as we aim to clinch the national title," he added.
Bayern chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen referred to Muller's accomplishments as "a unique lifetime achievement," placing him among the top three Champions League players.
Muller discussed his enduring passion: "There is no before, there is no after—it’s solely the moments of competition that I have always cherished."
The forthcoming weeks may allow both Muller and fans to reflect on the conclusion of an era. "At the moment, I don't feel much," he admitted, appearing unsure of his own feelings.
