Franz Beckenbauer and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s careers have been closely intertwined for decades as the pair celebrated great achievements on the field and off it. On Rummenigge’s 60th birthday, the Kaiser has sent best wishes and congratulations via fcbayern.de:
Dear Kalle,
We’ve known each other for 40 years now. You were my team-mate, my player, and a fellow member of the club committee. You came to Munich in 1974 - from Lippstadt, so it must have been a real culture shock... you the callow youth, we a team that had won everything. Suddenly you were playing alongside six world champions.
I admire your career since then. You were an absolutely world-class striker on the field, and off it you’re a man of the world. Nowadays you are one of the most respected personalities in football and hold the top position at FC Bayern, which long ago became your FC Bayern. You can be proud of that.
I admire what you’ve achieved for the club and for football. FC Bayern has become a global brand, and that is down to you. Your approach is magnificent. But above all else I’m proud I can say we have been joined in friendship since the days we played under Udo Lattek and Dettmar Cramer.
Dear Kalle, all the best from the bottom of my heart!
Franz
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