Bayern Munich icon Thomas Müller announced on Saturday that the club has decided not to renew his contract, marking the end of his 25-year journey with the Bundesliga powerhouse at the close of the season. The 35-year-old, whose current deal runs out this summer, revealed on social media that the decision was made by the club and was “not what I would have wished.” Müller expressed disappointment over the contract situation playing out “back and forth in public” in recent months but acknowledged feeling appreciated after his long service to Bayern. “The special connection to the club and our fantastic fans will always remain,” he added. A product of Bayern’s youth academy, Müller has claimed two Champions League titles and 12 Bundesliga crowns during his illustrious career. His focus was now on “bringing the league title back to Munich” as well as reaching this season’s Champions League final, which will be held in Bayern’s Allianz Arena home. Later on Saturday, Bayern issued a statement saying Mueller would be honoured with a testimonial match and that the midfielder would play at the Club World Cup in July. “Thomas Mueller had the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career,” club president Herbert Hainer said. Mueller was born in the nearby Bavarian town of Weilheim and joined the club aged 10, making his debut under coach Jurgen Klinsmann in 2008 against a Hamburg side featuring current Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. A true one-club man, Müller holds the record for the most appearances in Bayern Munich’s history with 743 matches across all competitions. During that time, he has tallied 247 goals and 273 assists. In recent seasons, Müller has seen more time on the bench, fueling speculation about a potential departure from the club. While the veteran midfielder hasn’t disclosed his next destination, German media has suggested a possible late-career move to Major League Soccer in the United States.