Rummenigge: Paolo Rossi was a great footballer

The football world mourns Paolo Rossi. The former Italy international and 1982 world champion has died at the age of 64. "The death of Paolo Rossi has shocked me," said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, "Paolo was my friend and a great goalscorer. We played against each other in Serie A. Without question, the most important duel between us was the 1982 World Cup final in Madrid. He won 3-1 with Italy and also scored a goal."

Rossi scored the first goal against West Germany in the Italian World Cup victory. In the last three games of the tournament in Spain he scored six goals and was named player of the tournament. Rossi also won the Ballon d'Or in 1982, which at the time went to the best footballer in Europe.

"Paolo was very humorous and cheerful, a tremendously likeable person who would always have fun with you. And he was a great footballer. FC Bayern and I personally will never forget Paolo Rossi," added Rummenigge.