Gerd Muller retires on top in 1974.

Gerd Muller was one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time, racking up 68 goals in just 62 international appearances for West Germany, thus joining the elite band of players to have bettered a 100 per cent strike rate.

At the 1970 World Cup, despite the dominance of the Brazilians, Muller’s skill shone through – grabbing the Golden Shoe Award with 10 goals.

But it was in 1974, with the Germans on their home patch, that Muller grabbed the ultimate prize – a World Cup winners’ medal. Fittingly, making his last international appearance, it was Muller who scored the goal that beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the Final.

Now that’s how to bow out at the top.