Germany’s Mueller Retires from International Football

By Muzammil Dalha Yola

German forward Thomas Mueller has announced his retirement from international soccer after a 14-year career that included the 2014 World Cup title. Mueller made the announcement on Monday in a video posted on YouTube, saying, “After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye.”

The 34-year-old Bayern Munich striker played for Germany 131 times, scoring 45 goals. Mueller’s final appearance for Germany was as a substitute in the host nation’s quarterfinal loss to eventual Euro 2024 winner Spain.

Mueller’s international debut came in 2010 in a 1-0 loss to Argentina. He played in four World Cups and four European Championships. Mueller was also a standout player at the 2010 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot as top scorer and being voted the best young player of the tournament.

In 2014, Mueller became a world champion with Germany in Brazil, scoring five goals. He is third in all-time appearances for Germany's men's team, trailing only Miroslav Klose (137) and Lothar Matthäus (150). Mueller is also seventh in the DFB's all-time scoring list.

Mueller's decision follows fellow veteran Tony Kroos' retirement from all soccer after Euro 2024, leaving Germany without two of its most experienced players going forward. The international future of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also in doubt. Neuer, 38, is Germany's fifth most-capped player with 124 appearances.

Comments

Coach Abdu Maikaba in High Demand as NPFL Clubs Scramble for His Services

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Former coach of Kano Pillars FC, Enyimba FC, Akwa Utd, and Plateau Utd, Abdu Maikaba, is highly sought after by top Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs. The experienced tactician, known for developing young talent from the grassroots, has become a hot commodity in the league. Bendel Insurance and Remo Stars have expressed strong interest in securing Maikaba's services, while Katsina United and Wikki Tourist FC are also in the running. The coach's impressive track record of producing talented players has made him a coveted asset for clubs looking to strengthen their squads. Maikaba's expertise in identifying and nurturing young talent has earned him a reputation as one of the most astute coaches in the NPFL. His ability to develop players from the grassroots level has made him a highly sought-after commodity in the league. As the new 2024/25 season approaches, the race to secure Maikaba's services is intensifying. Which club will

Coal City International Cup: Organizers Assure of Readiness as Top Clubs Confirm Participation

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The stage is set for the inaugural Coal City International Cup, a pre-season football tournament scheduled to hold from August 1st to 11th at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Organizers have confirmed that all arrangements are in place for a successful tournament, with all eight participating clubs reaffirming their commitment to the event. According to Ifeanyi Ogbu, Managing Director of Ski-Hi Entertainment, "We still have the eight teams that have confirmed participation. We have not changed or substituted any team." The tournament boasts an impressive lineup, featuring three league champions from their respective countries, including Rangers (Nigeria), Corinthians (Brazil), and Gor Mahia (Kenya). Other participating clubs include 9 times NPFL champions Enyimba (Nigeria), 4 times NPFL champions Kano Pillars (Nigeria), 2023/24 NPFL runners up Remo Stars (Nigeria), FC Coton (Benin Republic), and FC Kallon (Sierra Leone). The tournament promises to

Kano Pillars Set to Appoint Usman Abdallah as New Coach for Next Season

By: Muzammil Dalha Yola In a move aimed at strengthening their coaching staff, Kano Pillars are close to appointing former Enyimba FC coach, Usman Abdallah, as their new head coach for the upcoming season. Sources reveal that Abdallah is leading the race for the position, ahead of other contenders, including former Pillars FC coach now with Stade Migoven FC in Gabon Emmanuel Soccoia, Paul Offor, Deji Ayeni and Henry Abiodun. Abdallah's impressive credentials, including a league title win with Enyimba in 2019 and a semifinal appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup, have made him a top choice for the role. Notably, he and Henry Abiodun are among the few Nigerian coaches holding the prestigious UEFA Pro License certification. The appointment is expected to be announced soon, with Abdallah set to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to Kano Pillars. This development is expected to boost the team's performance in the upcoming season, as they seek to reclaim their spot among

SportsZone.NG

Search This Blog