By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Thomas Muller is a vital reason why the club museum of Bayern Munich is constantly breaking visitor number records.
Over 350,000 fans travel every year to see the unique items harvested by Bayern Munich, while the 34-year-old striker is now honored with a special showcase containing his shirt worn in his 710th game for the Bavarians.
In the 2-0 league win against Freiburg, the former German international became the club's most capped player in competitive games, surpassing Sepp Maier, including 475 Bundesliga appearances and 151 in the UEFA Champions League.
Muller might be surprised at how things work out at present. Having entered the autumn of his career, along with his national team retirement after the 2024 UEFA Euro on home soil, the Bavarian icon seemed to have reached the final stages.
However, the veteran has not only secured a regular place in the starting lineup with new coach Vincent Kompany in charge, but also seems to be on everyone's lips.
While his former national teammates talk about missing the entertaining attacker, the sporting director Rudi Voller mentioned his intention to include Muller in the association's staff.
Similar thoughts seem to grow in Munich as club officials talk about keeping Muller after his career.
After 245 goals and 269 assists, for the moment, the footballer seems entirely focused on his on-pitch performance and is overwhelmingly enjoying his next spring.
The 2014 world champion might eventually need recovery breaks in-between but at present seems unstoppable.
The two-time UEFA Champions League and 12-time Bundesliga champion has found a way to create a happy end for his career and is taking notice of all praising comments.
Scoring goals has always been his first intention. "That's why I never developed a signature move when cheering. Nevertheless, I am what I am. In China, I know, my nickname is something meaning rascal. Well, that's me," he said.
The future off the pitch isn't currently on his mind "as I enjoy being around as a player and as long as things work out well; I will be around," he said. ■
