One of the greatest strikers in football history sadly passed away on Sunday morning
Germany and Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller has passed away at the age of 75.
The World Cup and European Championship-winning striker was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015 and had been living in a specialised care home.
The Bundesliga giants announced the sad news on Sunday, with Muller survived by his wife, Uschi, and his daughter Nicole.
A statement on Bayern’s club website read: “Today the world of FC Bayern stands still. The club and all its fans are mourning the death of Gerd Muller, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 75.
“Muller made history with Bayern and the Germany national team. He scored an incredible 566 goals in 607 competitive appearances for Bayern and still holds the record for the most goals scored in the Bundesliga with 365, as well as being top scorer seven times. He got 68 goals in 62 caps for the national team.”
Bayern president Herbert Hainer expressed his sympathy with Muller’s family and promised the legendary striker will always be remembered by the club.
“Today is a sad, dark day for FC Bayern and all its fans,” he said.
“Gerd Muller was the greatest striker there’s ever been, and a fine person and character of world football. We’re all united in deep mourning with his wife Uschi as well as his family.
“FC Bayern wouldn’t be the club we all love today without Gerd Muller. His name and memory will live on forever.”
CEO and former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn added: “The news of Gerd Muller’s death deeply saddens us all. He’s one of the greatest legends in the history of FC Bayern, his achievements are unrivalled to this day and will forever be a part of the great history of FC Bayern and all of German football.
“As a player and a person, Gerd Muller stands for FC Bayern and its development into one of the biggest clubs in the world like no other. Gerd will forever be in our hearts.”
Muller is regarded as one of the finest strikers in football history and an icon across the game.
He spent 15 years with Bayern and helped fire them to European Cup success on three occasions.
Muller also guided the Bavarians to four Bundesliga titles, becoming the German top-flight’s all-time top scorer along the way.
The prolific attacker was pivotal in Germany’s success in the 1970s, too. He was the top scorer in Euro 72 and struck twice in the final as they beat Soviet Union 3-0.
He also netted the winning goal in the 1974 World Cup final as his side ran out 2-1 winners against Netherlands.
