The 2014 FIFA World Cup is now just a memory, but Thomas Muller was reminded of not just his country's achievements but also his individual accolades as he collected his World Cup awards on Monday. The 25-year old was awarded the Silver Ball for being the 2nd best player at this past summer's tournament as well as the Silver Boot for being the 2nd highest scorer, with 5 goals. Müller finished behind Lionel Messi for the best player of the tournament while another young star, James Rodriguez, scored just one more than the German to take the Golden Boot.
Muller, who won the Golden Boot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after scoring an impressive six goals, bursting onto the world's scene, spoke of his delight on winning the two trophies, saying, "These are obviously two special awards, even if it is second place. But at a World Cup one tries to do the best for his country, so I am very happy." He told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview, “Although I’m more of a team player, I’m naturally very proud of these honours.” A key factor in Germany's World Cup triumph, the Bayern star has not sat back and is already back to focusing on helping his club pursue big trophies around domestically and in Europe.
At such a young age, the now World Champion has seen his career littered with trophies and achievements, with two more to now add to his prestigious collection. With a combined 11 goals at just two World Cup's, the Bayern Munich star is on course to break his former teammate Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals. The forward can now look toward even more trophies, which are inevitable when at a club such as Bayern Munich.
(quotes via kicker.de and FIFA.com)