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Germany bids an emotional farewell to World Cup winners Muller, Neuer, Gundogan, and Kroos in a special ceremony at Allianz Arena, celebrating their legendary careers.
Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan at Allianz Arena. (Image via Fabrizio Romano ‘X’)
New Delhi: World Cup 2014 winners Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, former captain Ikkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos have said their final goodbyes to the national team. Before Germany’s UEFA Nations League 4th round match against the Netherlands at Allianz Arena a special ceremony was held to honor these legends of German football.
In an emotional evening a packed arena of 70,000 fans cheered the players, showcasing large portraits of the four in the south stand with the words “Thanks for everything, lads”. The entire backdrop featured the word ‘Legends’ in bold letters, with the German flag crossing over a white base. Video screens displayed the memorable moments from their successful careers creating goosebumps in northern Munich.
Germany put on a display to honour Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gundogan and Thomas Muller 🇩🇪👏
Free to watch highlights 🎥 https://t.co/sYpf7zA5M9#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/jjqtucTZpF
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) October 14, 2024
One noticeable absence on the pitch was that of Toni Kroos. The DFB had announced this beforehand, stating, “Kroos would have loved to be in Munich in person, but he is scheduled to be on the training ground with kids at his youth academy on Monday.”
A glorious legacy
Fan’s tifo for four legend’s. (Image via Bayern Zone ‘X’)
Neuer, Gundoğan, Muller, and Kroos leave behind an incredible legacy with the national team. Neuer’s international record stands at 124 appearances, Gundogan at 82 with 19 goals, Muller at 131 with 45 goals and Kroos at 114 caps with 17 goals.
Muller made his debut for the national team in 2009, with Neuer and Kroos following just before the 2010 World Cup, and Gundogan joining in 2011. Although Kroos has retired from international football, the other three continue playing at the club level.
Thomas Muller, true to his lively personality, took a moment to reflect on his DFB career during a live TV interview ahead of his official recognition. In typical Muller fashion, he added a light-hearted touch by playfully teasing his former World Cup teammates Kramer and Mertesacker.
Speaking to ZDF, Muller reminisced, “It was a great story. Time was really flying.” He also acknowledged the transition period for the national team, adding, “The next generation is knocking at the door.”
Honoring the unsung heroes
While the night celebrated the players’ outstanding careers, it also recognized the contributions of five long-serving staff members of the DFB. During the warm-up, these staff members were formally honored, including team psychologist Hans-Dieter Hermann and physiotherapist Wolfgang Bunz, who were often seen rushing onto the pitch to assist injured players alongside the team doctor.
The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to both the players and the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, closing a significant chapter in German football while paving the way for the next era.
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