Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The Bundesliga club released a statement confirming that the former Germany top goalscorer is receiving treatment for the neurodegenerative illness.

"For a long time Gerd Muller has unfortunately been very ill, he suffers from Alzheimer's disease. The media and the public have respected his privacy in this difficult situation," reads the statement published by PA Sport.

"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."

Nicknamed Der Bomber, Muller netted 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany and scored more than 650 times for Bayern. He called time on his playing career in 1981 following a stint with Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

His international goals record stood until Bayern's Miroslav Klose broke it at the 2014 World Cup finals.