The Bavarian State Chancellery assembly hall was filled to bursting point on Saturday afternoon as 1,100 guests attended a ceremony to honour the Bayern playing, coaching and management staff. Bavarian State Premier Horst Seehofer invited the German double winners to the ceremony “as a mark of respect and recognition for an exceptionally successful 2009-10 season.”
“Normally, we receive kings and heads of state from all over the world in this hall,” Seehofer began. “Today we’re receiving the best thing there is in Bavaria: FC Bayern Munich. Ours is a five-star state, and one of the stars which has been shining brightly for many, many years is FC Bayern,” the official continued.
“It's an honour for all of us when the state premier praises the work of our club, the players and coaches here in these magnificent surroundings,” responded Bayern President Uli Hoeneß. Given their achivevements the previous season, the staff “100 percent deserve the honour.”
Hoeneß said his biggest source of pride “was our success in not merely winning, but celebrating the game of football with our attractive play.” Both at the Allianz Arena and in away matches, “we laid on a spectacle and entertained the fans,” Hoeneß added.
Shirt and pennant for Seehofer
“We know the premier is a great Bayern supporter,” declared Hoeneß, before presenting Seehofer with a replica number 12 shirt bearing his name and the signatures of the squad, together with a club pennant “as a small reminder of this big day.” Seehofer in turn presented Hoeneß with a “permanent reminder” in the form of an engraved plate for the trophy cabinet.
The Bayern representatives then signed the state’s Golden Book, before moving on to the informal part of the reception. Pausing only to enjoy snacks and drinks, the Munich supporters hunted down their favourite stars for snaps and autographs.
Confirmation and motivation
“Obviously, this is a further confirmation of our success last season, and you sense the fans’ enthusiasm,” commented Jörg Butt afterwards. “Knowing you thrilled the supporters last season is a nice feeling. And it motivates us to prove that again this season.” No-one at the club would object to a similar event at the same time next year.
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