by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- German football icon Thomas Muller has confirmed he will continue his playing career after parting ways with Bayern Munich, ending his 25-year tenure with the record German champion.

Speaking during a commercial shoot, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner said, "I will continue to play football," quashing speculation that he might retire.

The 35-year-old revealed he is set to leave Germany and Europe in pursuit of "an experience abroad."

"I still have the passion for the game," said Muller. "That's why I've decided to keep going."

Multiple media outlets report that Muller is likely to join Major League Soccer, with Los Angeles FC - a partner club of Bayern Munich. Other reported suitors include FC Cincinnati and Australia's Sydney FC.

Muller expressed excitement about the next chapter of his career, describing MLS as an "interesting league," especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"I love the stage that football offers," said the veteran forward, who added he still feels "the tingling" of anticipation to perform at a high level, even outside the Champions League spotlight.

A move to MLS would make Muller the 19th German player to appear in the league. He departs Bayern with 33 titles and 756 competitive appearances to his name. He made his final outing for the club on July 5, in a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Bayern officials reportedly support a move to Los Angeles, aligning with the club's broader push to grow its footprint in the U.S. market.

Muller joined Bayern's youth system at the age of 10 in 2000 and debuted for the senior team in August 2008. Known for his unconventional playing style, he earned the nickname "Raumdeuter" or "space interpreter" for his knack of finding gaps in opposing defenses.

His international career was equally storied, capped with Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph. He made his final appearance for the national team in its Euro 2024 quarterfinal loss to Spain.

In recent years, Muller saw his minutes at Bayern gradually reduced, but he remains driven. "As long as my body holds up, I want to keep competing," he said. "It's time for something new." ■