‘Not About the Past, But…’: Thomas Muller Aims to Keep Momentum Amid Silverware Hunt
German football star Thomas Muller has made it clear that his focus is on winning trophies, following his transfer from lifelong club Bayern Munich to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
The 35-year-old forward has signed a contract with the Canadian club through the 2025 season, with an option to extend for another year.
“I’ve always been a competitive person, and my passion is to play football,” Muller said.
“And even at this stage of my career, my body still feels too good to consider retirement,” added the World Cup winner.
Acknowledging the attention his arrival has generated, Muller said, “I know a player with my career coming to Vancouver is creating some hype. And we want to stay on the hype train as long as we can.”
He added, “It’s an exciting time to be a Vancouver Whitecaps supporter.”
Muller emphasized his focus on the future: “It’s not about titles in the past. It’s about winning titles in the future. That’s what drives me.”
Muller joined Bayern Munich’s academy at age 10 in 2000 and spent his entire career with the German giants, winning 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues, and the 2014 World Cup with Germany.
Upon arriving at Vancouver International Airport, fans cheered and waved flags as Muller walked through customs. He later joined supporters at an airport restaurant to watch the Whitecaps face Forge FC in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals.
Muller’s final game for Bayern came in a quarterfinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup in Atlanta, following a months-long farewell from the club. Bayern announced in April that it would not extend his contract, which Muller accepted, noting that it “did not align with my personal wishes.”
In the weeks leading up to his move, emotional farewells unfolded with teammates, club officials, and fans as Muller reached personal milestones — surpassing 500 Bundesliga appearances, 750 total games for Bayern, and securing another German league title.
After 25 years with the Bavarian powerhouse, Muller leaves behind a decorated legacy, including 13 Bundesliga crowns and a storied international career with Germany.
