German football has lost one of the greatest players in its history in Uwe Seeler. The former striker has passed away at the age of 85. Seeler spent his entire career with Hamburger SV and also played alongside Bayern legends Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Sepp Maier for the national team in the 1960s and 70s, finishing runners-up at the 1966 World Cup and third in 1970.
FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer: “The death of Uwe Seeler strikes at the very heart of German football. ‘Uns Uwe’ was a national hero. There was not a fan in Germany who did not adore him. Seeler moved the nation - even beyond the game. I personally had the good fortune to work with him for a long time and to get to know him as a special person who approached everyone in a warm-hearted, friendly and open manner. FC Bayern is united in mourning with his family, relatives and friends.”
FC Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn: “When you think of German football and its greatest players, you think of Uwe Seeler. His death is a painful loss for the entire football family. Seeler stood for honest football, for loyalty and humanity, he was a player with heart and for the hearts - we will always remember him as one of the very special ones of the sport.”
FC Bayern board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic: “The death of Uwe Seeler is a very great loss for football in Germany and the world. When I turned professional at Hamburger SV, Uwe Seeler was HSV president. He was an incredibly likeable and loyal person who remained loyal to HSV all his life, but did not put any obstacles in my way when I moved to FC Bayern and understood my decision. Uwe Seeler was an idol as a person, as a sportsman. You could look up to him, which he didn't want at all. He was too modest for that. He will be missed by all those who love our game. My thoughts are with him and his family.”