Van Buyten: Every day was perfect
The Säbener Strasse, usually a hive of bustle and activity, is quiet during the summer break, but that is no reason for boredom: there is the EURO 2016 and a quartet of legends at fcbayern.de. Four Bayern legends answer four questions each. Today's legend: Daniel van Buyten, who is 38 years old now.
fcbayern.de: Daniel, you finished your active career two years ago. What are you up to these days?
Van Buyten: “It wasn't easy for me to retire, but at some point you just have to make the decision. We can't play until we're 50 after all. I work for Standard Liège now. I'm the president's right-hand man, I'm in charge of sport, youth and pros. It's a good step for me.”
fcbayern.de: How strong are your ties to FC Bayern today?
Van Buyten: “Very strong. I played for Bayern for the longest part of my career. It was always important for me to go on and play for a club where I was able to clinch titles. I then joined Bayern, a club where it's not just about success, but also the whole family. No matter how far I'm away from Munich this tie holds. They invite you, they inform you. I'm glad about that.”
fcbayern.de: You wore the Bayern shirt for eight years. What is your most beautiful memory?
Van Buyten: “Of course it's always nice if you win titles at the end of a season. The 2013 Champions League triumph stands out in that respect. But I have to say that every day of those eight years was perfect for me. I had a lot of fun, made many friends, had three children in Munich. I'm very proud of those eight years.”
fcbayern.de: Who was your toughest opponent in all those years?
Van Buyten: “Franck Ribéry. When he joined us from Marseille it wasn't so easy to win tackles against him in training. He's a little older now... (laughs) Seriously, in the Champions League in particular it was a special challenge to encounter players like Messi.”
Daniel van Buyten profiled:
- At FC Bayern: 2006 - 2014
- Position: centre-back
- Competitive fixtures/goals: 239/28
- Career record: FIFA Club World Cup (2013), UEFA Super Cup (2013), Champions League (2013), four German championship titles (2008, 2010, 2013, 2014), four DFB Cup titles (2008, 2010, 2013, 2014), two Supercup titles (2010, 2012), League Cup (2007)