Bayern honor Franz Beckenbauer by retiring No. 5 jersey
| Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images |
A true Bayern Munich and German legend passed away in January when Franz Beckenbauer died at the age of 78.
At Bayern's annual general meeting on Sunday, club president Herbert Hainer paid an emotional tribute to Beckenbauer and announced that the iconic No. 5 shirt he wore would be retired.
“Dearest Franz, you made this club what it is today, a byword for the greatest possible success, a unique style and profound humanity, as a player, coach, president and companion. You gave FC Bayern the charisma that continues to have an impact today," said Hainer.
“Franz, we miss you. What’s left and what binds us is the memory of you. Take time for each other - that is certainly his greatest legacy.
“The No.5 will be reserved for a unique legacy, because our club and its history are simply unthinkable without Franz.”
Beckenbauer made 584 appearances for Bayern during his illustrious career, scoring 75 goals and providing 75 assists.
He won the Bundesliga four times with the Bavarians, the DFB-Pokal four times and the European Cup three times in a row between 1974 and 1976.
Beckenbauer captained West Germany to the European Championship in 1972 and the World Cup in 1974. Later, as a coach, he led his country to the 1990 World Cup title.
