Bundesliga
Bundesliga
04.01.2009 10:54:19
Beckenbauer played 28 Bundesliga matches for HSV
The "Kaiser" at HSV
Known simply as the "Kaiser", Franz Beckenbauer was nearing the end of his unique career when in 1980, he returned to Germany after four years at New York Cosmos.
The 1974 World Cup-winner opted to play for Hamburg instead of his beloved FC Bayern. He played 28 games for HSV, and was treated to a hero's welcome when he arrived at the north German club.
Expectations were high that Beckenbauer would ignite Hamburg's title chances. The "Kaiser” himself was out to win some silverware before finally retiring.
"I hope to have a good and successful time here. That's the expectations I have brought with me", Beckenbauer said when he joined HSV.
Debut in November 1980
Franz Beckenbauer made his debut for Hamburg in November 1980, in an away game against Stuttgart. But why did the "Kaiser” decide to play for Hamburger SV so late in his career?
"In 1979, Günther Netzer and the then-HSV coach Branco were observing my games, and then they said: "come and play for HSV. We'll build a new squad around you”. I was mesmerized by the concept and it wouldn't let go. Initially, I was dead set against a move. I said: "No way! I'll end my career with New York Cosmos in America." But eventually I came around to the idea and told them I would join", Beckenbauer recalls.
Netzer pulling the strings
Günther Netzer was given the task of sealing the sensational transfer. At the time the football icon was manager at Hambuger SV, who were the 1979 Bundesliga champions.
"There was a benefit game in Dortmund, and I recall that our Hamburg coach Branco Zebec was there, as was Franz Beckenbauer. After the game, Zebec said to me that it would be a great idea if we could sign Franz. I was electrified by the concept, but Franz said that he thought we were crazy! I felt that he hadn' forgotten our suggestion. He was missing something, and his career wasn't over yet. So, we went and saw him and finally convinced Franz that he should play one more time", Netzer reveals.
Beckenbauer took to the pitch for Hamburg during the second half of the game against Stuttgart. He was still in the changing room initially, but when he finally entered the fray for his 397th Bundesliga game, the "Kaiser” was quick to prove he still had it in him. Beckenbauer still knew how to play magical football!
One more title
"I was 35 when I joined Hamburg. It was a courageous decision to take for someone in such a stage in his career. But at the end of the day, it all worked out OK!”
Despite injuries, Beckenbauer won the 1982 title with Hamburg and was runner-up a season earlier, crowning an unforgettable career!
Expectations were high that Beckenbauer would ignite Hamburg's title chances. The "Kaiser” himself was out to win some silverware before finally retiring.
"I hope to have a good and successful time here. That's the expectations I have brought with me", Beckenbauer said when he joined HSV.
Debut in November 1980
Franz Beckenbauer made his debut for Hamburg in November 1980, in an away game against Stuttgart. But why did the "Kaiser” decide to play for Hamburger SV so late in his career?
"In 1979, Günther Netzer and the then-HSV coach Branco were observing my games, and then they said: "come and play for HSV. We'll build a new squad around you”. I was mesmerized by the concept and it wouldn't let go. Initially, I was dead set against a move. I said: "No way! I'll end my career with New York Cosmos in America." But eventually I came around to the idea and told them I would join", Beckenbauer recalls.
Netzer pulling the strings
Günther Netzer was given the task of sealing the sensational transfer. At the time the football icon was manager at Hambuger SV, who were the 1979 Bundesliga champions.
"There was a benefit game in Dortmund, and I recall that our Hamburg coach Branco Zebec was there, as was Franz Beckenbauer. After the game, Zebec said to me that it would be a great idea if we could sign Franz. I was electrified by the concept, but Franz said that he thought we were crazy! I felt that he hadn' forgotten our suggestion. He was missing something, and his career wasn't over yet. So, we went and saw him and finally convinced Franz that he should play one more time", Netzer reveals.
Beckenbauer took to the pitch for Hamburg during the second half of the game against Stuttgart. He was still in the changing room initially, but when he finally entered the fray for his 397th Bundesliga game, the "Kaiser” was quick to prove he still had it in him. Beckenbauer still knew how to play magical football!
One more title
"I was 35 when I joined Hamburg. It was a courageous decision to take for someone in such a stage in his career. But at the end of the day, it all worked out OK!”
Despite injuries, Beckenbauer won the 1982 title with Hamburg and was runner-up a season earlier, crowning an unforgettable career!
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