Tennis Star Zverev Criticizes Bayern For Not Keeping Muller Around

Berlin: Thomas Muller's announced departure from Bayern Munich after this season has triggered a variety of emotional reactions.

Germany's top-ranked male tennis player Alexander Zverev described it as "a poor performance of Bayern." He said, "As a fan, it appears crazy not to keep him around."

The 27-year-old expressed his significant disappointment at the departure of a "player that has been around for 20 years and was doing that good." He sees no reason not to grant Muller another year if the player wishes to stay.

As fans on social media criticized the German record champions' officials for mishandling the exit of a deserving player, many stated they would cancel their club memberships.

• Musiala hamstring tear compounds Bayern's injury crisis
• Germany's Mueller to leave Bayern Munich after 25 years

Media outlets such as "Der Spiegel" labeled 35-year-old Muller a "pawn sacrifice," while the tabloid Bild questioned, "How can you spoil the end of a club icon that badly?" Others suggested Muller was being forced out.

Many media outlets are calling Bayern's board member for sport, Max Eberl, and former president Uli Hoeness "the main actors" in an "undignified play."

While Eberl indicated a contract extension back in January and spoke of an "easy thing to settle," Hoeness, just four weeks later, reportedly recommended Muller's departure.

In his announcement on Saturday, the 131-time capped Muller spoke of his desire to continue playing and complained about "the back and forth in public." The club's intentions had been leaked multiple times.

Former Bayern and Real midfielder Toni Kroos criticized Bayern's lack of unity by quoting, "Too many cooks spoil the broth."

German record international Lothar Matthaus suggested that "house blessings seem crooked."

Following disagreements between Eberl and Hoeness, chairman Hans-Christian Dreesen reportedly took over the final discussions with Muller.

Reports indicate that Eberl is facing pressure, and rumors are surfacing that he might lose his job in the summer, with Austrian manager Ralf Rangnick mentioned as a potential replacement.

Fan organizations have announced plans to protest during the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Inter this Tuesday at the Munich arena.

Fans are pointing to recent costly contract extensions for Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, and Manuel Neuer, suggesting that funds have run out for icon Muller.

The statement published on social media by the two-time Champions League winner and 12-time German champions, with Bayern responding 41 minutes later, seems to reflect the differing viewpoints.

Muller's future after 743 games in a Bayern shirt (247 goals and 243 assists) remains uncertain, as the 2014 World Cup winner did not discuss his plans. While Matthaus is suggesting a move to the U.S. Major League Soccer, goalkeeper legend Sepp Maier is convinced that Muller will end his career.

MENAFN06042025000063011010ID1109395447