Thomas Muller has paid tribute to former Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal for having the "biggest influence" on his career.
After joining Bayern at the age of 10 in 2000, local boy Muller, now 27, made his first-team breakthrough during Van Gaal's spell in charge between 2009 and 2011.
"When we talk my biggest influence I have to say Van Gaal," Muller told Goal. "He threw me in the deep end."
Muller actually made his Bayern debut on the opening day of the 2008-09 season under Jurgen Klinsmann, but did not become a regular at the club until Van Gaal "relied on [him] more continually."
The Bavarian burst onto the scene at international level in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, winning the Golden Boot with five goals and three assists.
And after inspiring Germany to their 2014 success in Brazil, Muller has now notched 10 goals in 12 World Cup games.
Van Gaal reportedly chased the German's signature while in charge of Manchester United, but Muller repeatedly spurned advances in order to stay at Bayern, where he is contracted until 2021.
An integral part of Bayern's 2013 historic Treble-winning side, Muller enjoyed his most prolific Bundesliga season last term with 20 goals -- easily beating his previous best of 13. He is also Bayern's record Champions League scorer with 38 goals.
Muller credits his success on the pitch with the way he lives his life off it.
"I do my thing. I will not change my everyday life and feel restricted," Muller said. "You won't find me running naked across the Marienplatz [Munich main square] asking to be photographed."