Germany footballing legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78.
The legendary Bavarian, who won the World Cup as both a player and manager, died peacefully in the presence of his family.
In a statement to the DPA news agency, his family said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family. We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
Beckenbauer enjoyed a long career in football as both a player and manager after coming through the Bayern Munich youth system in 1964.
He represented the Bavarian outfit, in the city where he was born, for 13 years winning countless trophies including two Ballons d’Or.
The Bavarian defender is best known for his exploits with his national team and was a huge part of the West Germany side that won the World Cup in 1974.
After two brief spells in New York either side of two years at Hamburg, Beckenbauer retired from playing and became a manager – taking charge of West Germany in his first job, where he won the World Cup.
From there, the former centre-back had a spell as sporting director at French club Marseille before returning home to manage Bayern Munich, where he won nine titles including one Champions League.
Source: mirror.co.uk
