Thomas Muller to leave Bayern Munich at end of season

ISTANBUL

Thomas Muller on Saturday said he will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the current season, bringing an end to his decorated 25-year career with the German club.

"Hello Bayern fans, after a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to provide you with an opportunity to clarify things. Even after all these years, regardless of the minutes I play, I still really enjoy being on the pitch with the boys and fighting for titles together for our colors. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well," Muller penned a heartfelt post on Instagram.

"However, the club has consciously decided not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season. Even if this was not in line with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step, which the board and supervisory board certainly did not take lightly," he added.

He joined the team's youth academy in 2000 and went on to enjoy an incredibly successful career with his boyhood club.

Over the years, he lifted a total of 32 trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, and an impressive 12 German Bundesliga championships.

He bagged the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany, in which he contributed 45 goals and 41 assists in 131 national appearances.

The 35-year-old forward became the top scorer of the 2010 World Cup with five goals.