Bayern Munich have announced Thomas Muller and Philipp Lahm have signed new contracts, which will likely see the latter see out his career at the club.
Both players are products of the Bayern production line, and have progressed into key first team fixtures for both club and country. The German champions have now confirmed that Lahm has signed a new four-year contract to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena until 2018, whilst Muller, six years younger, has committed until the summer of 2019.
“Both Philipp and Thomas are very important elements of Bayern Munich,” said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “Both have remained faithful right from the very start of their careers and they are also going to play an important role here in the future. We are very happy that both have decided to commit their long-term futures to Bayern Munich.”
Aside from a two-year loan spell at Stuttgart from 2003-2005, Lahm has spent his entire career at Bayern. This new deal will take him to the age of 34, and he said: “It was the right time to discuss an extension. This is definitely my last contract and I will end my career at Bayern Munich. That was always my wish and I’m delighted it has happened.”
As for Muller, he has only ever played for Bayern. He was, though, linked with a surprise move to Manchester United earlier this summer, with the Reds now coached by former Allianz Arena boss Louis van Gaal. However, the forward has revealed that the club persuaded him to sign a new deal after offering him assurances over his future.
“I’m delighted to have extended my contract until 2019 so close to the start of the World Cup,” the 24-year-old ace said. “The club convinced me that I’m in the right place and I have the feeling that I’m an important component in the club’s plans. Bayern Munich have been my club since 2000 and they will remain so for years to come.”
