Audio By Carbonatix
Germany great Thomas Muller will end his 25-year association with Bayern Munich at the end of the current season.
The 35-year-old has played the most games in the club's history, with 743, and is third on their all-time goal scorers list, with 247 goals.
The attacking midfielder, who also plays as a second striker, came through Bayern's academy to make his senior debut in 2008.
He has won two Champions Leagues and 12 Bundesliga titles among 33 trophies in total with the German giants.
"It's been an incredible journey, shaped by unique experiences, great encounters and unforgettable triumphs," said Muller, whose contract ends in June.
"I feel immense gratitude and joy that I got to make this career with my beloved club. The special connection to the club and our fantastic fans will always remain.
"What I want as a farewell should be clear: titles we can celebrate together, and moments we'll remember fondly for a long time. We're going to give our all in the coming weeks to bring the league title back to Munich."
Muller, who scored 45 goals for Germany in 131 appearances, won the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup and was part of the Germany team that won the 2014 World Cup.
"I could have easily imagined taking on this role [with Bayern] next year as well," he admitted, while club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: "The most important thing is that we've found a mutual solution.
"Thomas Muller is one of the greatest player personalities this club has produced, and therefore it was important to us to find a fair and amicable agreement."
Muller has turned out 24 times for the Bavarian outfit in the Bundesliga this campaign, scoring once, but has only started on eight occasions.
Bayern Munich said they would mark Muller's departure with a testimonial and his final opportunity to play competitively will come during the Fifa Club World Cup in the USA, which starts on 15 June.
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer said: "Thomas Muller is the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career. He ranks among the most outstanding personalities in FC Bayern history."
Sporting director Christoph Freund said: "Thomas Muller: no tricks, no show, just an incredible amount of instinct and extraordinary reading of the game - a pure footballer. There'll never be another one like him, that's for sure, and he internalised FC Bayern from a young age. This decision was extremely hard, as everyone can understand."
Bayern hold a nine-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga and face Inter Milan in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Latest Stories
-
Mr John Blankson Adu Otu
13 minutes -
Prof. D. K. Yeboah-Amankwah
17 minutes -
AFCON 2027Q: Queiroz ‘proud’ of Black Stars performance despite defeat to Cote d’Ivoire
32 minutes -
Your next home could be here: 3rd JoyNews Republic Bank Habitat Clinic opens at Junction Mall today
36 minutes -
GCAA assures safety won’t be sacrificed to attract more airlines
40 minutes -
AFCON 2027Q: Queiroz furious with ‘joke’ penalty awarded Cote d’Ivoire in Black Stars defeat
44 minutes -
GCAA backs more domestic airlines to drive down airfares
58 minutes -
SHC launches nationwide audit, gives occupants 21 days to regularise property interests
1 hour -
Manhyia South MP describes EOCO arrest attempt as ‘provocation’
1 hour -
Appiagyei appeals to Lordina Mahama, Jane Naana over detention of Ghana Jollof accused
1 hour -
New regional hospitals will bring specialist care closer to Oti, Savannah and Western North – Health Ministry
1 hour -
Gender Minister delivers Mahama’s address at launch of State of Africa’s Children Report
1 hour -
Lambussie NCCE engages stakeholders on rule of law, anti-corruption fight
2 hours -
Lands Minister cuts sod for Phase Three of Appiatse Redevelopment Project
2 hours -
GNFS swift response saves three bedrooms from fire at Amasaman
2 hours