Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Mueller shot down rumors of a pending international retirement, saying on Monday he would “always be available” for selection.
“As long as I am a professional footballer, I will always be available for the national team if I am needed,” said Mueller.
“When, what and how, it always depends on the manager of the national team.”
Mueller, 33, announced after Germany’s disappointing group stage exit in Qatar that he would take some time off to consider his future.
Immediately after Germany were eliminated before the knockout stages of the World Cup for the second time in a row, Mueller told the sideline cameras “everything I’ve done, you can be sure I did it with love”, sparking predictions that he would announce his international retirement.
Speaking from Bayern’s winter training camp in Qatar, Mueller said he was “emotional after the game” and was “thinking and discussing (retirement) with (Germany coach) Hansi Flick”.
Mueller, who has played 121 competitive games for Germany and was part of the team that won the 2014 World Cup, said he hopes to help the side return to the top of international football.
“We must – and will – be successful again.
“It’s less about certain players. The coach has a lot of options – there are a lot of young players.
“I’m calm but really ready if the coach needs me.”
Mueller started in each of Germany’s three games in Qatar, but was unable to add to his 10 goals at the World Cup.
The 2010 golden boot winner has not found the net at World Cup level since scoring as Germany beat Brazil 7-1 at the 2014 World Cup.