Thomas Muller U-turns on playing for Germany after admitting being "emotional"

09 January 2023 , 17:09

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Thomas Muller insists he is still available for Germany selection (Image: Getty Images)

Thomas Muller has rowed back on comments that appeared to suggest he had retired from international duty with Germany.

Muller netted an impressive 44 goals across 121 international appearances, complementing his superb club career for Bayern Munich. The forward has netted 290 goals across his senior career and is likely to hit the 300-goal landmark this season.

The Bayern icon is also one of the most prolific goalscorers in the history of the World Cup, with 10 goals to his name. He scored five times in 2010 and another five as Die Mannschaft triumphed 2014, but did not find the net in either of Germany’s group-stage exits in 2018 or 2022.

The 33-year-old has been a fixture in Germany’s starting line-up since his 2010 international debut, but after another disappointing major tournament – which saw the nation exit at the group stage following an opening-day defeat by Japan – he had appeared to suggest he had called time on the team.

Muller said in his post-match interview: "We have had many great moments together. Thank you for everything." He added: "If that was my last game for Germany, a few words to the German fans: It was a tremendous pleasure.

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"Thank you very much. I always tried to show heart on the pitch. Sometimes there were tears of joy, sometimes pain. I did it with love. I need to think about everything else now."

Germany players were downhearted after their World Cup exit (Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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However, Muller explained at a recent press conference that he has not retired and confirmed that he would still be available for future Germany squads, including upcoming Nations League matches and qualifiers for the 2024 European Championship.

Muller explained: “I was emotional after the (Costa Rica) game, it was a sad moment. I thought about it and exchanged ideas with Hansi Flick. As long as I'm a professional footballer, I'll always be available for the national team.

“It's up to the coach to decide when, if and how. The goal is to be successful again. Hansi has many options in attack. I'm very relaxed, but will absolutely be there when the coach needs me.”

Colin Millar