Miroslav Klose leaving Bayern Munich

Ap
Monday 06 June 2011 08:54 EDT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Germany striker Miroslav Klose is leaving Bayern Munich after failing to agree a new contract with the Bundesliga club.

The Polish-born Klose has been at Bayern for the past four seasons, scoring 24 goals in 98 Bundesliga games. His contract expires at the end of the month.

"Unfortunately the talks with Miroslav Klose have not produced a positive result," Bayern's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement on Monday. "We would have gladly extended his contract, but we couldn't find common ground on the duration."

Bayern was willing to give Klose a one-year extension, while the striker wanted a two-year deal. Klose, who won the German double with Bayern in 2008 and 2010, turns 33 on Thursday.

Klose's destination was not known.

"I had four beautiful and successful years in Munich and I'd like to sincerely thank Bayern for that," Klose said in the statement. "It was always something special to be able to play for this club."

Klose has played 109 games for Germany and scored 61 goals, putting him second on the all-time list behind Gerd Mueller's 68.

He will miss Germany's European Championship qualifier in Azerbaijan on Tuesday due to injury.

Klose is coming off a quiet season with Bayern, where he was mostly a backup for Mario Gomez, the Bundesliga's top scorer with 28 goals. Klose managed only one goal in 20 appearances.

But Klose remains Germany coach Joachim Loew's striker of choice and usually gets the nod ahead of Gomez, if fit.

With 14 goals at three World Cup tournaments, Klose is tied for second place with Mueller — one goal less than record holder Ronaldo of Brazil.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in