Thousands of Bayern fans celebrate Müller: 'Merci and bye-bye'
Berlin (dpa)
Thousands of Bayern Munich fans gathered in the city's main Marienplatz square on Saturday to celebrate the success of the men's and women's teams, but also to say farewell to club icon Thomas Müller.
Bayern's run of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles came to an end last season as they were dethroned by Bayer Leverkusen. But the Bavarians recovered the crown this term in Vincent Kompany's first season in charge.
Müller, meanwhile, is leaving the club after 25 years as he didn't get a contract extension.
"Bad news, I've not got a joke for you today... I want to thank you for all the wonderful years. I hope you continue to support the team and the club, it's in all our blood," Müller said from the town hall balcony when he took over the microphone.
"In both teams we have young and dynamic blood, people who know what Bayern means to the people, the city, and so merci, servus and bye-bye," he said.
He was the last player to be presented to the fans, in what was an emotional moment. During the celebrations, the players greeted the fans and dance along to party songs such as "We are the Champions" and "Sweet Caroline".
"We're not just the greatest football club, we also have the greatest fans in the world," Bayern president Herbert Hainer said.
The Bundesliga trophy was brought into the town hall by Harry Kane, who had never won a title with England or at previous club Tottenham and finally won a major honour.
The women's team also participated in the party after winning the Bundesliga and German Cup.
"It's incredible to see so many fans celebrating us. You can't do it without the fans - so it's even better that they're all here today. It's much more than just football, it's people, it's personalities that make up this team," director of women's football Bianca Reich said.
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