Germany's Müller retires from international football

Germany's 2014 world champion Thomas Müller is retiring from international football, he said in a video posted on social media on Monday.

"After almost 14 years and 131 international games, I have decided to end my career at the Germany national team," the Bayern Munich midfielder said.

The announcement comes one day after the end of the Euro 2024 in Germany, which was Müller's last tournament for the national team. Hosts Germany were eliminated by champions Spain in the quarter-finals.

"I want to say thank you to all fans and members of the national team. Thank you for your support in the past years," the players said.

Career crowned by title in Brazil

Müller made his Germany debut in March 2010 and has amassed 131 caps, third on the all-time list behind Lothar Matthäus (150) und Miroslav Klose (137).

His biggest achievement with Germany was the 2014 World Cup title in Rio de Janeiro, a journey that included a historic 7-1 win against hosts Brazil in the semi-finals. Müller scored the opening goal in that game.

After the group exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he was dropped by then coach Joachim Löw in 2019 alongside defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng.

However, he returned for the Euro 2020, in which Germany were eliminated in the last 16 by England.

"It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes even shed a tear together," he said in the video.

At Euro 2024 on home soil, Müller played as a substitute in the 5-1 win against Scotland in the opening game and in the defeat to Spain.

Müller has scored 10 goals in four World Cup participations, but never hit the net at Euros, despite playing in four editions.

Schweinsteiger praises former team-mate

Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was also part of the 2014 squad, praised Müller's career.

"Dear Thomas, what an incredible journey with Germany. Together we were able to experience many great victories and bitter moments - with the highlight in 2014 in Brazil," he wrote on X.

Thank you for everything you have done for the German jersey. Germany can be proud of you! PS: Hopefully in the Bayern jersey, you will continue to be successful for another season or two," he added.

Müller has a contract with the German record champions until June 2025.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer said: "The younger generation doesn't know the national team without Thomas Müller and I can't really imagine it without him.

"On behalf of football fans everywhere, I would like to thank Thomas for his superb performances and the style-defining way he played for the national team. And as president of FC Bayern, I'm delighted that Thomas will continue to play for our club."

Müller is the second Germany player to announce his international retirement after Euro 2024.

Midfielder Toni Kroos quit all football after Germany's exit at their home tournament while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was also considering whether to carry on playing internationals.