Bayern Munich reveal Gerd Muller has Alzheimer's disease

Muller won 13 major honours with the Bavarian club between 1964 and 1979 and also helped West Germany lift both the World Cup in 1974 - including the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands in the final - and the European Championship in 1972.

“For a long time Gerd Muller is unfortunately very ill, he suffers from Alzheimer's disease,” read a press release from the German club.

“The media and the public have respected his privacy in this difficult situation.

“Since the beginning of February 2015 Muller has been professionally cared for with the strong support of his family. His wife Uschi therefore asks for understanding that there will be no official appointments or visits on his 70th birthday,” added the statement.

The timing of the announcement and, more pertinently, the request for continued privacy is more than likely due to Muller’s approaching 70th birthday.

'Der Bomber' retired from football in 1981 after a brief stint in America with Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Bayern’s chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge paid tribute to Muller's service to the club.

"Gerd was a scorer as it is no longer likely to give him, and in all the success he's always modest and restrained remained what has particularly impressed me," added Rummenigge.

"He was a wonderful player and is a friend. In the Bayern family Gerd will always have its place.

"After he had finished his professional career, he brought his experience as a young coach and coached such as our world champion Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller. Also we are grateful to him."