Thomas Muller Surprises Whitecaps Teammate with Stunning Gift Before Historic Debut

Following the excitement of his official introduction, Thomas Müller stepped onto the practice field for his inaugural training session as a Vancouver Whitecaps FC member, taking part in complete workouts despite heavy rainfall on Canada's western coastline. 

Though Friday and Saturday's training sessions weren't the most intensive, considering the approaching fixture against Houston Dynamo FC on Sunday, they provided Müller an opportunity to connect with his new teammates initially and regain his match fitness after days of traveling and formal presentations. 

"There's positive momentum within the squad. You can sense on the field that the group is united, they're eager to develop," Müller commented following the practice. "Typical collection of excellent football players who love training sessions. Even when Vancouver's weather shows up today."

The Whitecaps, who began the weekend positioned second in the Western Conference, also revealed that Sunday's fixture had completely sold out its ticket allocation. 

Nevertheless, there has been minimal indication from Müller or Whitecaps manager Jesper Sørensen regarding how extensively the 13-time Bundesliga winner might participate, having last competed in an official match with Bayern Munich at the FIFA Club World Cup in July. 

"He will be included in the roster, he will be on the field" Sørensen stated. "For what duration, we'll discover, but it's not [about] doing foolish things here. Everyone's enthusiastic, but we must also recognize that we need to make the correct decision."

While the venue will be filled in Vancouver, the fixture will also feature the Whitecaps missing some of their most crucial regular contributors, as top scorer Brian White remains uncertain after sustaining an injury, and key midfielder Ryan Gauld continues to be unavailable. 

Despite the injuries, there will be significant attention on the match, with the possibility of Muller entering a club fixture for the first time not wearing Bayern Munich colors. 

"We have not only talented players, they're excellent individuals as well," Müller noted. "I'm anticipating experiencing something different, something refreshing I [haven't] encountered before."

A Present for No. 13 

The discussion surrounding his debut was hardly the only occurrence during Friday and Saturday's sessions though. Beyond stepping onto the field initially with his new colleagues, Müller also honored the established custom of providing a player a gift in return for the jersey number. 

Upon arriving in Vancouver, Müller acquired No. 13 from young Canadian midfielder Ralph Priso, choosing to wear the number he has donned with the German national squad throughout his career, rather than No. 25 which belongs to Whitecaps captain, Ryan Gauld.

However, Priso didn't depart without compensation, as Müller brought along a pair of Bavarian lederhosen for the 23-year-old, presenting it before the group during his formal introduction. 

"I'm delighted to be here and anticipating the coming weeks, please don't hesitate to ask questions and I hope I contribute positively for you and for the club, but I'll also make errors" Müller stated. "You're in an excellent position currently."

How to Watch Muller's MLS debut

While over 25,000 supporters will be at BC Place for his initial match, fans worldwide can watch the game on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, the platform where Müller's Whitecaps can be viewed for every MLS and MLS Cup Playoffs fixture. 

After his debut, the Whitecaps will focus on their remaining eight fixtures, which include trips to Orlando City SC, Sporting Kansas City, and Seattle Sounders FC as well as home contests against St. Louis CITY SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas. 

Regarding Müller's participation with the team, the goal will be to increase his playing time to ensure he becomes a vital component in the season's most crucial games during the playoffs, with focus on the MLS Cup Final scheduled for Dec. 6. 

Beyond MLS competition, the Whitecaps also stayed in the Canadian Championship and tied the first leg of their semifinal series against Canadian Premier League side Forge FC 2–2, with the second leg scheduled for Sept. 16 at BC Place. 

Should the Whitecaps defeat Forge, Muller could claim his first trophy outside of Bayern and Germany in October against either Atlético Ottawa or Vancouver FC, also from the CPL. 

Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Thomas Müller's First 5 Games