Thomas Müller keeps his fingers crossed – but doesn’t miss the Klassiker | OneFootball

For over a decade, Thomas Müller was the face of the Bundesliga classic between FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. The 2014 World Cup winner now plays in Canada—and surprisingly doesn’t miss the prestige duel much.

Since the 2009/10 season, the Bundesliga classic has taken place without Thomas Müller only three times. The born-and-bred Bavarian embodied this duel for many years: emotional, dangerous in front of goal, and always present when things heated up against BVB. His first Bundesliga goal even came against Borussia Dortmund—on September 12, 2009, one day before his 20th birthday.

Back then, the young Müller was brought on by coach Louis van Gaal and, with a brace, secured a 5–1 away win for Munich at Signal Iduna Park. Since then, he has played in 29 Bundesliga classics—more than any other Bayern player.

“I’m not the nostalgic type”

Photo: IMAGO

Today, at 36, Müller is under contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps in North America’s Major League Soccer. The fact that he will no longer be on the pitch for Saturday evening’s classic doesn’t bother him much. “I’m not the nostalgic type,” Müller told the Abendzeitung München.

“I had many such games for FC Bayern in the past. Now I’ve chosen something different—or, to put it another way, I no longer qualify for the classic,” the former FCB captain said with a grin.

His time at the German record champions is over, Müller emphasized: “When I look back, it was wonderful. But the present is now the Vancouver Whitecaps.”

The attacker will play the final MLS match of the regular season on Sunday (3 a.m. CEST) against FC Dallas. After that, the playoffs begin—Müller’s focus is firmly on his new sporting challenge.

Müller remains emotionally connected to FC Bayern

Müller is not completely detached from his beloved club. Despite the nine-hour time difference, he will watch the classic between Bayern and Dortmund live: “I’m a child of the Bundesliga, I’ll of course watch the game and keep my fingers crossed for Bayern.”

From his perspective, the situation seems clear: Bayern lead the Bundesliga, are still unbeaten after six matches this season, and head into the top game full of confidence.

For Müller, who recorded over 676 competitive appearances, 237 goals and 261 assists for FC Bayern, the classic remains something special even from afar—albeit with the composure of a player who has achieved everything. “I had my classic moments,” says Müller, “now it’s time for others to experience them.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.