Wednesday saw the first official meeting between FC Bayern München and the new Bavarian state premier, Markus Söder. The Christian Social Union (CSU) politician welcomed the German record champions to the Bavarian State Chancellery to celebrate the team’s success. “Six consecutive German titles. That can only be one club: FC Bayern,” declared Söder. “You’re setting standards, nationally and internationally.”
Special honour for birthday boy Jupp Heynckes
The focal point of the event was title-winning coach and birthday boy Jupp Heynckes, who celebrated his 73rd birthday on the same day. The Bayern boss was greeted with chants of “Jupp, Jupp, Jupp” from the fans present, before Söder and the guests struck up a birthday serenade. And Söder had prepared an extra-special gift: “We’re very proud of what you’ve done for this club and for this state,” said Söder and offered “an immediate cabinet meeting” to award Bavarian citizenship to the Mönchengladbach native.
In his speech, club president Uli Hoeneß thanked the state premier for the invitation and the honour, and stressed the importance of the state for FC Bayern München: “For us as FC Bayern and as a global player, Munich and Bavaria will always be our home.” The ceremony concluded with the club’s management, coach Jupp Heynckes and captain Manuel Neuer signing the guest book of the Bavarian government.