'The time has come' - Thomas Muller sends out emotional message to Harry Kane and Co. as Bayern Munich legend confirms exit despite wanting to stay

Muller has been a key figure in helping Harry Kane settle into life at Bayern but he is now set to depart after dropping a bombshell announcement revealing that the club are not willing to offer him a new contract despite his wishes to stay with the Bavarian giants.

The 35-year-old joined Bayern in 2009 and has spent 16 years at the club, winning 32 trophies along the way, including two Champions League titles and 12 Bundesliga crowns. He will leave a legend and still has a key role to play in helping Kane end his trophy drought by the end of the campaign.

Muller penned a heartfelt post on Instagram, saying: "Hello Bayern fans, after a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to provide you with an opportunity to clarify things. Even after all these years, regardless of the minutes I play, I still really enjoy being on the pitch with the boys and fighting for titles together for our colors. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well.

"However, the club has consciously decided not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season. Even if this was not in line with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step, which the board and supervisory board certainly did not take lightly.

"I understandably did not like the back and forth in public over the past weeks and months. However, I treat it like I do with my football: It wasn't always characterized by perfection either, but rather with a positive, forward-thinking approach to the next action. After a bad pass, the key is to win the ball back with team unity. We have achieved this in recent days through trusting discussions.

"I feel the appreciation from everyone involved for my long time at@fcbayernand feel deep joy to have played for my beloved club for 25 incredibly intense years. Through so many great shared moments, I will forever be connected to FC Bayern and to you.

"Now, my full focus is on our sporting goals for the season. It would be a dream for me to bring the championship trophy back home and reach the long-awaited final at home at the end of May. I will give everything for that!

"Thank you for everything that has been and for everything that is still to come. ❤️😊

"Always forward, FC Bayern! 🔴⚪️

"Yours, Thomas"

There was no word on retirement in Muller's post, suggesting he will continue beyond his Bayern days. A move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS may be on the cards for the German. For now, he will continue to contribute under Vincent Kompany - albeit this has usually come as a substitution off the bench.