Thomas Muller has admitted that he wanted to stay in Bayern Munich for another year.
The Bundesliga giants have confirmed that Muller will leave Bayern at the end of the season after 25 years.
Muller, 35, was set to an extension of 12 months, only for Bayern to withdraw their contract offer.
In the midst of news from his approaching departure, the 12-way Bundesliga champion wrote an emotional letter to fans.
It said: “After a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to you as an opportunity to clarify things.
“Even after all these years, regardless of my playing minutes, I am still enjoying the boys with the boys and I fight together for titles for our colors. I could have easily presented myself in this role next year.
“However, the club has made a conscious decision not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season.
“Even if this was not in accordance with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its beliefs. I respect this step that the Board of Directors and Supervisory Council are certainly not light.
“In recent weeks and months I understandably did not like it in public.
“However, I feel the same about my football game: it was not always characterized by perfection, but rather by thinking positively ahead of the next action.
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“After a misplaced pass, you have to win the ball back with Team Unity. In recent days we have also succeeded in doing this in trust talks.
“I can feel the appreciation of all involved for my long time at @fcbayern and feel deeply joy in playing my favorite club for 25 incredibly intense years.
“I will always remember so many great moments together.”
Muller has played 743 times for Bayern – scored 247 goals and places assists on 273.
The veteran -attacker has limited his minutes this season and has so far only started eight of the 28 Bundesliga matches of his party and scored once.
Muller has won several trophies during his time in Bayern, including 12 league titles, six domestic cups and two champions competitions.
The popular figure also excelled at international level – scored 45 goals in 131 Germany appearances and winning the World Cup in 2014.
Van Muller is not expected to retire this summer with his Bayern exit.
According to German Outlet Bilder, Muller could join Bayern's partner club Lafc.
It is claimed that he could combine playing for the MLS side with becoming a Bayern Club ambassador in the United States.
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