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      ‘This was not in line with my personal wishes’ Thomas Muller reveals Bayern Munich have forced him out in emotional post

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      THOMAS MULLER has admitted that he wanted to stay at Bayern Munich for another year.The Bundesliga giants have confirmed that Muller will leave at the end of the season following 25 years at Bayern.Thomas Muller is set to leave Bayern Munich after 25 yearsCredit: RexMuller, 35, had been set to pen a 12-month extension, only for Bayern to withdraw their contract offer.Amid news breaking of his impending departure, the 12-time Bundesliga champion penned an emotional letter to fans.It read: “After a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to you as an opportunity to clarify things.”Even after all these years, regardless of my playing minutes, I still have a lot of fun being on the pitch with the boys and fighting for titles together for our colours. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”However, the club made a conscious decision not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season.”Even if this was not in line with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step, which the Executive Board and Supervisory Board certainly did not take lightly.”I understandably did not like the back and forth in public over the past weeks and months.”However, I feel the same way about my football game: it wasn’t always characterised by perfection either, but rather by thinking positively ahead to the next action.Most read in BundesligaGrand National betting offers and free bets”After a misplaced pass, you have to win the ball back with team unity. Over the past few days, we have also managed to do this in trusting discussions.”I can feel the appreciation from everyone involved for my long time at @fcbayern and feel deep joy at having played for my favourite club for 25 incredibly intense years.Thomas Muller celebrates becoming unlikely ‘Olympic champion’ as he shows off Paris 2024 gold medal”I will always remember so many great moments together.”Muller has played 743 times for Bayern – scoring 247 goals and laying on 273 assists.The veteran forward has found his minutes limited this season, starting just eight of his side’s 28 Bundesliga matches thus far, scoring once.Muller has won several trophies during his time at Bayern, including 12 league titles, six domestic cups and two Champions Leagues.The popular figure has also excelled at international level – scoring 45 goals in 131 Germany appearances and winning the World Cup in 2014.Muller is not expected to retire upon his Bayern exit this summer.Read More on The SunAccording to German outlet Bild, Muller could join Bayern’s partner club LAFC.It’s claimed that he could combine playing for the MLS side with becoming a Bayern club ambassador in the United States. More

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      Mats Hummels chokes back tears as he retires aged 36 after World Cup winner and Dortmund legend’s incredible career

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      GERMANY legend Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from football.Hummels, 36, rolled credits on his glittering 18-year career with an emotional announcement on social media.Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyHummels could barely hold back his tears as he announced his retirementThe centre-back, who currently plays for Roma, sat in front of a camera and watched the greatest highlights of his career with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Germany.The defender then confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season.Hummels said: “I’m struggling with myh emotions right now. Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid.”After more than 18 years and so many things that football has given me, I’m ending my career this summer.Read More on Football”When I see all this [the highlights], I know how much this whole journey, this whole path has meant to me. How extraordinary it was to be able to experience that.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Inside Europe’s biggest giant killers with third tier side in major cup final after shocking FOUR Bundesliga teams

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      YOU might not be aware of German third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld.But the minnows have certainly made themselves known to the top dogs.Arminia Bielefeld beat Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the DFB Pokal on TuesdayCredit: EPAIt was the fourth time the third-tier side beat a Bundesliga club in the competition this seasonCredit: EPAArminia currently play in the third tier of German footballCredit: AFPBayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso was left furiousCredit: GettyArminia booked a spot in the DFB Pokal final on Tuesday after beating reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at SchücoArena.The third tier outfit stunned Xabi Alonso and Co with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Marius Worl and Maximilian Grosser.It was the third top-tier team Arminia had beat in the competition.They defeated Union Berlin 2-0 in the second round before seeing off SC Freiburg in the last-16 in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blues went on to beat Werder Bremen in the quarter-finals to secure a semi-final meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.They will now face either Stuttgart or RB Leipzig in the final of the competition.Third-tier outfit Arminia have become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season.WHO ARE ARMINIA BIELEFELD?Established in 1905, Arminia are based in the city of Bielefeld in northwestern Germany.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Blues have participated in the Bundesliga for a total of 19 seasons so far since being founded.They last found themselves in the league during the 2021-22 campaign.Bundesliga match suspended after goalkeeper struck by lighter thrown from crowdArminia were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga – the second tier of German football – at the end of that season after finishing 17th in the table.They subsequently finished 16th the following term and lost the relegation playoff to Wehen Wiesbaden.It meant the Blues dropped down to the 3. Liga – the third tier of German football – in back-to-back relegations.And they have not been promoted since.Arminia play their home games at the SchücoArena, a 27,000-seater stadium in Bielefeld.Arminia have suffered back-to-back relegations in recent yearsCredit: EPAWHO IS THE MANAGER?Michel Kniat is the manager of Arminia Bielefeld.The 39-year-old played as a centre-back in Germany before becoming a coach.He took over at Arminia back in 2023.After the semi-final win, Kniat said: “I am so proud of the team.”The whole region is feeling this. No one will be sleeping tonight.”We defended with a lot of passion and that was the key. We worked extremely hard.”Read More on The SunArminia have become the fourth team from the third division to reach the German Cup final. Hertha Berlin’s reserve team achieved the feat in 1993, followed by Energie Cottbus in 1997 and Union Berlin in 2001.Michel Kniat has led the team to the historic achievementCredit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeat to minnows

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      GRANIT XHAKA clashed with his own fans in a heated confrontation following a humiliating defeat. Xhaka, 32, played the full 90 minutes as Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal German Cup semi-finals by third-tier Arminia.Granit Xhaka got into a heated row with Bayer Leverkusen fansCredit: Sky SportsThe midfielder angrily gesticulated towards a man in the front rowCredit: Sky SportsA member of staff tried to calm things downCredit: Sky SportsThe reigning Bundesliga champions became the FOURTH top-flight side to be dumped out of this season’s competition by the minnows.Leverkusen took the lead through Jonathan Tah on 17 minutes.The hosts equalised three minutes later then took a surprise lead just before half-time – and managed to hold on for another famous victory. But while Arminia celebrated booking their place in next month’s final – where they will face Stuttgart or RB Leipzig – the anger among Leverkusen fans threatened to boil over.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLXhaka went over to the away section to address the travelling supporters after full-time. But the conversation soon turned angry, with the former Arsenal skipper furious gesticulating towards one man in particular. As he demonstrated during his time at the Emirates with his infamous outburst where he told his own fans to “f*** off”, the combative Swiss star is never one to shy away from a blazing row. A Bayer member of staff tried to calm the raging fan down but Xhaka continued the intense exchange as another man joined the fiery debate. Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSXhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the German Cup by ArminiaCredit: ReutersThe third-tier side have knocked out four Bundesliga teams during their incredible runCredit: EPALeverkusen won the DFB-Pokal last season as part of their record-breaking campaign which saw them go unbeaten in domestic football and win the double – including their first-ever Bundesliga title.They missed out on the Treble when Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final. Xhaka tells Arsenal fans to ‘f*** off’ as captain is booed off pitch vs PalaceThe shock defeat to Arminia means Xabi Alonso’s side will not retain the cup this season.And they sit in second, six points behind Bayern Munich, with seven games to go in the league campaign. They will play either Stuttgart or RB Leizpig in the finalCredit: AFPXhaka has history clashing with his own fans – with the infamous incident against Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Swiss midfielder cupped his ears to the Arsenal fans before ripping his shirt offCredit: Reuters More

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      Jurgen Klopp ‘could poach Premier League manager, 50, as RB Leipzig look to replace sacked Marco Rose’

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      JURGEN KLOPP could be set to hire his first manager at RB Leipzig in his new role at Red Bull.Klopp, 57, began his job as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull on New Year’s Day, just six months after rolling credits on his glittering nine-year stint as Liverpool manager.Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp could be set to hire his first manager at RB LeipzigCredit: GettyGlobal Head of Soccer at Red Bull Klopp is targeting Crystal Palace boss Oliver GlasnerCredit: RexAnd the legendary German tactician could go back to the Premier League to find a new manager for Leipzig, who now have Zsolt Low in charge on an interim capacity after Marco Rose’s dismissal on Sunday.According to Sky Sports, the Bundesliga giants are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner ahead of the summer transfer window.However, it seems like Glasner, 50, wasn’t the first choice and Leipzig turned their attention on him after Sebastian Hoeness extended his stay as Stuttgart manager.The same source claims there has already been contact between the German outfit and the Austrian tactician’s camp.Read More on FootballHowever, if the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt boss wishes to leave Palace then the Prem outfit will require a transfer fee.That is because the Europa League winner’s contract doesn’t run out until 2026.Nevertheless, there is said to still be an “exit option” for Glasner this summer.And Klopp may have a lot of help from Leipzig’s managing director of sport Marcel Schafer, who knows the Eagles’ boss very well from their time working together at Wolfsburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGlasner turned Palace’s fortunes around upon his arrival in February last year.The Leipzig target took them from Premier League relegation strugglers to a strong side that took points off the big hitters.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Glasner counts a total of 24 wins and 13 losses in 49 matches with the Prem side.They also face Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at the end of the month after a brilliant 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. More

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      Moment Chelsea flop is attacked on pitch by his own club mascot after Bundesliga clash

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      EX-CHELSEA star Michy Batshuayi came off second best after tussling with his team’s beloved club mascot.The Belgian striker currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga. Former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has tussled with a Golden EagleCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old joined the club in January after a spell in TurkeyCredit: GettyThe Belgian was hit hard in the face by Frankfurt’s mascot AttilaCredit: Instagram @eintrachtfrankfurtBatshuayi’s career has been eclectic, involving stints in England, Belgium, France, Turkey and Spain.He’s now trying to find the net in Germany following a January move to Frankfurt, but he doesn’t appear to have made friends with their beloved Eagle mascot Attila.Known as the King of the Skies, the bird of prey has been a regular at games since 2005. Eintracht scraped to a 1-0 win over Stuttgart on Saturday to keep their European push alive. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter the game, Batshuayi – an unused sub – approached Attila on the pitch as he was being paraded by his handler.The Belgian stood too close to the Golden Eagle, who suddenly lashed out hard with its giant wing.Batshuayi was struck square in the face – but Attila’s handler simply burst out laughing. One fan laughed in response: “Bird is just testing his reflexes.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother wrote: “Now he is blessed by Atilla.”While a third joked: “The eagle got his revenge on him for what he did to Besiktas.”Former Chelsea star Demba Ba talks about his role as director of football of USL Batshuayi began his career at Standard Liege before banging in the goals for Marseille in France.He earned a big-money move to Chelsea in 2016, arriving for a fee of £33.2 million.Batshuayi struggled for consistent game time at the Bridge, despite scoring 25 times in 77 games.He was shipped out on loan to Dortmund, Valencia and Crystal Palace.The 31-year-old joined Fenerbahce in Turkey’s Super Lig on a permanent deal in 2022.He enjoyed a spell at cross-town Istanbul rivals Galatasaray earlier this season before returning to Germany in January. Batshuayi has played five times in the Bundesliga, netting twice. More

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      Bayern Munich threaten to sue Canada’s national team over ‘clear violation’ in Alphonso Davies injury

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      BAYERN MUNICH are considering legal action against the Canadian Soccer Federation after Alphonso Davies’ injury.The full-back, 24, is out for the rest of the season due to a torn ligament and further damage to his right knee.Bayern are fuming at Alphonso Davies’ injury and treatmentCredit: GettyThe Canada defender had surgery, ruling him out until the summerCredit: ReutersThat occurred on Sunday while playing in Canada’s 2-1 victory over the USA in the third-place decider for the CONCACAF Nations League.The star has undergone surgery after returning to Bayern, who have accused the Canadians of failing to provide “appropriate care” for Davies.Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen fumed: “We’re demanding a full investigation into the events from Canada Soccer and expressly reserve the right to take legal action.“Sending a clearly injured player with a damaged knee on a 12-hour intercontinental flight without a thorough medical assessment is, in our view, grossly negligent and a clear breach of medical duty of care.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Davies should not have been playing at all. The participation of Davies, who already had muscular problems before the game, in a match of no sporting significance is incomprehensible from our point our view.”Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund also blasted the treatment by Canada’s medical team as he added: “Phonzy complained of fatigue.“He’s the team captain, a young lad who wants to help his country. Most read in FootballThe Germans will miss Davies for their important run-inBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Then there’s this injury. I think it’s negligent, unprofessional.”Bayern boss Vincent Kompany will be without Davies for Bayern’s Bundesliga run-in and quest to reach the Champions League final at their home stadium.Bastian Schweinsteiger is booed by own Bayern fans who think he is leaving before he announces he is staying French defender Dayot Upamecano also returned from Nations League duty with a knee injury, although it is not as serious.Fellow defender Kim Min-jae was already sidelined.Another Bayern defender, Dayot Upamecano, also picked up an injuryCredit: AFP More

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      Harry Kane leaves fans stunned as he shows off his German in video – and it could be a major hint over transfer future

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      HARRY KANE might have just dropped a massive hint over his future amid rumours that the Bayern Munich star is contemplating a return to the Premier League.Kane, 31, left fans stunned after a video circulating online showed him grafting away at learning German.Harry Kane has been learning German while at Bayern MunichCredit: XKane has been linked with a return to the Premier League after continuing his goalscoring success in GermanyCredit: GettyThe England captain joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, calling time on his 13-year tenure at Tottenham.And after one and a half seasons in Bavaria, Kane is still working hard to learn the language.A video circulating online shows the prolific bagsman answering questions about training, meetings and Bayern Munich in German.Fans who have caught wind of the clip are convinced that it’s a major hint that Kane has no plans to leave Germany any time soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “And there are rumours that he wants to return to England in the summer. You can probably tick that one off for good!”While another added: “Hasn’t there been stories that he wants to go to Liverpool because Mohamed Salah is leaving? Hahaha!”And a third commented: “Kane has settled really nicely in Bavaria, is learning German, is competing for trophies and is a true #Bundesliga superstar. Why would he rush back?”Kane has been in the goalscoring form of his life since moving to the Bundesliga, scoring 76 goals and registering 23 assists in 82 appearances for Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballKane’s German lessonHere’s a little look at what Kane was saying during his German lesson..Q: Why were you not in training?Kane answer: “Because I was ill”Q: Why did you cancel the interview?Kane answer: “Because I am tired”Q: Why do you live in Munich?Kane answer: “Because I play for Bayern Munich”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the superstar has been tipped to return to England with rumours of a release clause in his contract and the looming temptation of trying to break Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League top goalscoring record.In fact, it’s Shearer himself that has suggested Kane should join league leaders Liverpool to cement a legacy in the the English top flight.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The Newcastle legend told Betfair: “Liverpool will be looking for a centre-forward in the summer, I don’t doubt that and Harry Kane would be a great option for them because of the size of the club and he’ll score goals.”Whether Harry decides to stay in Germany or he decides to come back to the Premier League, he’ll have options.”I’ve always said that if he comes back to the Premier League then he’ll have a really, really good chance of breaking my record. I’m a huge admirer of him.”Kane, who cost Bayern Munich £104m, is thought to have a release clause in his deal with the club.Reports suggest that Kane could have triggered a clause in his current contract this winter that would have allowed him to leave the Allianz Arena for a fee of around £67m in the summer.While it’s also said that the striker will have the option to activate the clause again next winter, this time allowing him to leave in the summer of 2026 for just £54m.For now, Kane is still tied down with Bayern Munich until 2027.Alan Shearer has tipped Kane to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty More