Klaus Augenthaler and Jürgen Kohler remember their world champion colleague Andi Brehme, who died unexpectedly at the age of 63, exclusively on t-online.
The 1990 world champions are currently going through extremely difficult times. Six weeks after the death of Franz Beckenbauer (78), they are now also mourning the death of Andreas Brehme. The winner of the final in Rome was only 63 years old.
Klaus Augenthaler also reacted with shock to this next piece of sad news on Tuesday morning. “It wasn’t long ago that Beckenbauer died, and now the next blow is coming,” said Augenthaler when t-online reached him by phone on Tuesday.
“I’m still at a loss for words. In January we met at Franz Beckenbauer’s funeral. We only recently had dinner together again,” says Augenthaler. “It’s very difficult and shocking. Less than two weeks ago we were sitting together, talking about old times and making jokes.”
Augenthaler: “He never wanted to be in the spotlight”
That’s why he will “remember him very, very positively. Andi was someone who always made a joke and was actually always in a good mood,” said Augenthaler. “I always envied him for the lightness he always had. Whether it was before the game, during the game or even after his career – that was Andi Brehme.”
Brehme and Augenthaler were not only teammates in the national team. “We played together at Bayern for two years and became champions together,” said Augenthaler, remembering our time together in Munich from 1986 to 1988.
The two recently met again at Beckenbauer’s funeral and the memorial service, which was almost like a state ceremony. Augenthaler believes that a framework that does not suit Brehme. “Andi Brehme wouldn’t have wanted that for himself. He never wanted to be in the spotlight. He was the one who simply did his job well. Andi was not only an outstanding teammate, but also a good friend to me.”
Video | In 1990, Brehme became world champion with the German national team.
Kohler: “I will remember him forever”
Jürgen Kohler says something similar about Brehme. “He was an outstanding personality, not just as a footballer, but also as a person. Down-to-earth, straightforward. You always knew where you stood with him. I really appreciated that about him,” Kohler told t-online. “A great person has left us – far too soon.”
At just 63 years old. “It takes you away, moves you. It makes you see once again what is most valuable in life: health and life itself. You should perhaps think about that when something doesn’t go as you imagine “says Kohler.
“I will remember him forever,” continued the 58-year-old, who once played for Juventus Turin during his career. “I got to know him not only as a national team colleague, but also as an opponent in many Bundesliga and Serie A games. He will always have a place in my heart. Because he is not only an extraordinary footballer, but above all a special person was.”
“A shoulder to lean on”
When he came to Italy as a young player, “I had a shoulder with him that I could lean on, even if we played in different teams. That was impressive.”