Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller will leave the club after 25 years at the end of this season, the player and club said Saturday.

Müller, 35, joined the Bavarian side in 2000 and has played a record 743 games for the German giants, winning 33 trophies.

What did Müller and Bayern say?

In a post on Instagram, Müller said "the club made a conscious decision 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."

"Even after all these years, regardless of my playing minutes, I still have a lot of fun being on the pitch with the lads and fighting for titles together for our colours. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well," Müller said. 

He is one of the most successful players to ever don the famous red jersey. His trophy haul includes 12 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and two Champions Leagues. He also won the World Cup with Germany's national team.

Müller has bagged 247 goals and 273 assists in all competitions for Bayern, as well as scoring 45 goals in 131 appearances for Germany.

"There'll never be another one like him, that's for sure," Christoph Freund, Bayern's sporting director, said. "This decision was extremely hard, as everyone can understand."

Bayern have said that Müller will get a farewell testimonial match. His last appearances with the team will be at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, being held in the United States. 

His last home game in Munich would either be on May 10 in the Bundesliga against Borussia Mönchengladbach, or potentially the Champions League final on May 31.

Müller, who joined Bayern aged 10, has not said if he will continue his career at another club.

Why is Thomas Müller leaving Bayern?

His departure had been rumored in the German media for a number of days ahead of the officiial annoucement. According to newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, the club's limited finances are a key reason behind the departure of the seasoned veteran, who is one of Bayern's top earners with an annual salary of over €10 million (about $10.8 million).

The club recently signed German international stars Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer, as well as Canadian left back Alphonso Davies, to new contracts.

Müller, who for years was a key cog in the Bayern machine, has seen his role pared back in recent seasons.

He has spent much of this campaign as a substitute, mostly making short appearances off the bench late in games.

Board member for sport Max Eberl confirmed that "the key factor in the end was simply the squad planning, where we're putting the focus on the future. Thomas knows he's held in the highest regard at FC Bayern, and this decision doesn't change that."

What does this decision mean for Bayern?

The decision not to extend Müller's deal marks the end of an era for the Bavarian giants. Since joining the club at the age of 10, he has gone on to play in 17 seasons, scoring 150 Bundesliga goals.

The attacking midfielder is fourth on the all-time Champions League appearance list, and is the only player in the top four to have plied his trade for one club.

According to reports, Bayern want to keep Müller on in a different function at the club in the future.

Edited by Jenipher Camino Gonzalez