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A tribute to Gerd Müller on behalf of the fans: the Allianz Arena, finally filled with 75,000 spectators again for the 1-0 win against FC Augsburg, was the perfect setting for president Herbert Hainer and CEO Oliver Kahn to present Uschi Müller with the FC Bayern family’s book of condolence in honour of the one-of-a-kind striker. The bound edition contains farewell greetings from companions and supporters who had signed it at the FC Bayern Museum, as well as messages from fans that reached the club digitally from all over the world. The response around the globe was worthy of Gerd Müller’s memory, with a total of over 34,000 fans from 132 different countries taking the opportunity to say goodbye in person to “Der Bomber”.
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer said, “The massive worldwide response is clear evidence of how much Gerd Müller meant to people. The book of condolence is intended to be a special family album of our FC Bayern family, especially for Gerd, in memory of a unique person.”
Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn said, “Of all the characters in the history of FC Bayern, Gerd Müller stands out in a special way. We are delighted to be able to hand over this condolence book to Uschi Müller on behalf of the fans. Gerd Müller will live on in our hearts forever.”
After Gerd Müller’s long-time teammates Franz Beckenbauer, Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as well as Herbert Hainer, Oliver Kahn and board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić had made the start, former FCB striker Giovane Elber was one of the first to sign in (“Dear Gerd, thank you for the time we spent together and your advice – rest in peace, my friend!”), and goalkeeping idol Sepp Maier also bid an emotional farewell to his teammate: “We owe everything to our dear Gerd. We are all happy that we had a player and buddy who is still unmatched today. He will remain immortal. Thank you, dear Gerd, for the many great years with you!”
Prominent FC Bayern companions away from the pitch also submitted to the digital condolence book. Dr. Edmund Stoiber, chairman of the administrative advisory board, wrote: “Gerd Müller was the best striker Germany has ever had. I followed his games with fascination from the beginning in 1964. A global star without airs and graces. A true role model!” Munich city mayor Dieter Reiter, also a member of the administrative advisory board, added: “Dear Gerd Müller, there’ll never be a striker as successful as you were – and despite your successes you were always down-to-earth, there was never a sense of arrogance. Just unique!” Dorothee Bär, fellow administrative advisory board member, commented: “Rest in peace, dear Gerd. Thank you for everything!”
The messages for Gerd Müller came from as far away as Albania, Jamaica, Syria, Vietnam and South Africa. A worldwide tribute to a unique FC Bayern legend.
