German legend and internatioanl Muller made a surprise return to Bayern’s training ground on Tuesday morning, less than a month after leaving the club for 美國職業足球大聯盟 side Vancouver Whitecaps. The 35-year-old, who ended his glittering 17-season spell in Munich in early August, trained at Sabener Strasse during the international break. Muller, sporting a longer beard than fans are used to, joined Aleksandar Pavlovic and youth prospect Felipe Chavez in an intense fitness session led by Bayern’s staff.
According to an insider report by 《圖片報》 Muller greeted staff with a trademark “Servus!” before completing a 52-minute workout that included sprints, coordination drills, and resistance work. After finishing, he even helped staff tidy up cones and equipment, a gesture that summed up his grounded personality. The cameo, just 27 days aftersealing his MLS switch, has already sparked nostalgic excitement among Bayern fans who saw their legend back in familiar red training gear.
Muller’s return underlines the unique bond between player and club that few footballers have embodied Bayern quite like Muller, a youth product who went on to make a record 756 appearances, scoring 250 goals and winning virtually every major honour. His decision to keep fit at Bayern during MLS downtime isn’t just a personal preference, it’s a symbol of how seamlessly the club integrates its legends into its fabric.
On a broader level, it reflects the changing career arcs of European stars in the twilight of their playing days. Like Lionel Messi, Muller’s MLS move represents both a fresh sporting challenge and a cultural ambassadorial role. Yet, unlike many who cut ties completely, Muller has shown he can maintain close ties with Bayern while opening a new chapter abroad.
The timing of Muller’s visit coincided with the international break, meaning Bayern’s senior squad was depleted with players on duty. That allowed him to train with Pavlovic, returning from injury, and young striker Chavez. Observers noted the special bond Muller shared with Pavlovic, who has repeatedly described him as a mentor during his early days in the Bayern first team.
Muller’s brief stay in Munich also comes at a moment when Vancouver Whitecaps are pushing hard in MLS. The German veteran already has a goal and a match-winning performance under his belt in North America after beating 聖路易市 3-2, showing that he hasn’t lost his competitive edge.
For Bayern, Muller’s visit is a feel-good story that reinforces the club’s tradition of honouring its icons. Meanwhile, Whitecaps, have their immediate focus on integrating Muller further into their system. His leadership and creative instincts have already boosted their playoff hopes, with a crunch clash against 費城聯合報 looming on September 14.
