Germany’s Thomas Muller has announced his retirement from international football following the conclusion of Euro 2024.
Muller and hosts Germany were eliminated from the quarter final stage in what was a crushing extra time loss against Spain.
“After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye,” the 34-year-old said in a video.
Muller – who turns 35 in September – was a key member of the German team that lifted the World Cup in 2014.
The Bayern Munich forward also scored the opening goal in Germany’s historic 7-1 win over the hosts Brazil in the semi-final.
“When I played my first international match for the German national team over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this,” Muller said in the video.
“It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together,” he said.
Muller had hinted at retirement following Germany’s exit from the Euros.
The tournament hosts were defeated 2-1 in the last eight stage against Spain, who went on to be eventual winners.
After the Spain game, Muller said he would hold talks with head coach Julian Nagelsmann and decide whether it was the “sensible option” to step aside for the younger players.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the only member of Germany’s triumphant 2014 World Cup side still with in the national team.
Midfielder Toni Kroos announced before Euro 2024 that he would retire from football after the tournament.
Unlike Kroos, Muller will continue to play for his club Bayern Munich, as his contract runs until 2025.
Only Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose have featured in more games for Germany than Muller, who is also Germany’s sixth-highest goalscorer of all time.
