Thomas Muller is on an adventure of a lifetime with the Vancouver Whitecaps. After spending 25 years with Bundesliga giants FC Bayern München, the former Germany international is relishing the opportunity to try something completely new by crossing the Pond to join the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
A week after the deal was announced, Muller was given a rapturous reception at Vancouver International Airport on Wednesday, and he is preparing to make his Whitecaps debut in front of a packed BC Place against the Houston Dynamo on Sunday evening.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ champion took time to speak to the media on Thursday to explain the reasons for the move, and his excitement for the new challenge shone through.
“I played so many years at Bayern and in Europe. I’m very proud of this time, but for me it was time a little bit for a new adventure,” Muller said.
“But an adventure for me is only interesting when it’s about having the chance to go for titles. If you watch the Vancouver Whitecaps this season and also the development over the past [few] years, there is a chance not only this year but also next year. I am looking forward to (try) something new, something fresh.”
Muller will begin training with his new team-mates on Friday, with the aim of making his debut this weekend. “I want to be on the pitch as soon as possible, that is why I am here,” he added. “I hope I will adapt very quickly. I don’t know how many days I will need to get closer to the group, to get closer to the league.”
The midfield maestro has joined a rich FIFA World Cup heritage at the Whitecaps, including Alan Ball, who helped England to a global crown in 1966, and legendary Dutch defender Ruud Krol, who was a runner-up with the Netherlands in 1974 and 1978.
The 35-year-old, who has won over 30 major trophies with Bayern, said he is just as motivated as ever to win titles with his new club: “It’s not about winning titles in the past, it’s about winning titles in the future. That is what motivates me. I’ve always been a competitive guy… and my body feels even at this stage of my career too good to retire.”
Muller is also looking to emulate other German stars who also made the move across the Pond, including legends such as Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthaus, Jurgen Klinsmann and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Ahead of his move, Muller spoke to former Chicago Fire midfielder Schweinsteiger as well as LA Galaxy star Marco Reus, San Jose Earthquakes defender Florian Jungwirth and New York Red Bulls forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting about their experiences of playing in MLS.
He also picked the brains of his former Bayern team-mate Alphonso Davies, who began his career with the Whitecaps, about what life was like in Vancouver. “I double-checked with Alphonso if the city is nice and the people are nice. He confirmed it,” Muller said.
Specifically, the veteran star is eager to generate more global interest to the FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City.
“It is very interesting to be in this league. In this upcoming year with the World Cup, Vancouver is a Host City. Maybe the whole world is watching Vancouver more and more as a football city. I want to play my part in growing it a little bit.”
Muller is not sure how things will pan out at Vancouver, but he is eager to find out and create a lot of excitement along the way. “I am here for one day, I will find out if it’s right but right now I have the feeling yes,” he said. “I know a player with my career coming to Vancouver will create a bit of hype. We want to stay on the hype train as long as possible.”
