A smiling face appears to be the perfect protective shield for Bayern Munich icon Thomas Muller these days.

While observers see the 35-year-old in high spirits on the training pitches, his true feelings seem concealed.

Behind the scenes, conflicting opinions are emerging regarding an appropriate career conclusion for one of Germany's most accomplished football figures.

Cesar Blackman (L) of Slovan Bratislava vies with Thomas Mueller of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League football match between Bayern Munich and Slovan Bratislava in Munich, Germany, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

While the winner of the 2014 FIFA World Cup reportedly hopes for an additional and final one-year contract, reports suggest his club is refusing a contract extension, sparking controversial debates about the current procedures.

Muller has been instrumental in Bayern's victories, including two UEFA Champions League titles, 12 Bundesliga titles, and six German Cups. However, tensions reportedly exist within Bayern's leadership regarding how to treat their icon, while providing a satisfying end for the striker seems like common sense to fans and pundits alike.

As Muller's role has diminished over the past two years, becoming more of a substitute, financial considerations seem to accompany the decline in his sporting influence.

Although Muller has become Bayern's all-time appearance leader with 742 games and 247 goals, the ideal timing for a satisfying resolution seems to have passed. Reports indicate his significant disappointment upon receiving unwelcome news from Bayern board member Max Eberl two weeks ago.

Some speculate that Muller might consider joining another league, while others suggest that Muller's career will conclude in the summer of 2025.

Bayern has promised a farewell match and announced plans to offer Muller a role as a club representative. The club's board member and former president, Uli Hoeness, suggested Muller should stop "when it is only the bench and substitutions," deeming it "undignified" for "an outstanding career he has made."

German record international Lothar Matthaus criticized Bayern for missing "the right timing" in orchestrating a happy ending for Muller, who began his club career in 2008. "The most important thing is to get things done smoothly."

While former German captain Philipp Lahm hailed Muller as an unprecedented figure of identification for the club, former Bayern goalkeeper Sepp Maier predicts the striker will end his career this summer.

"He is Bavarian. His family and their horses are here, everything that makes him happy," said Maier.

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