BVB boss Hans-Joachim Watzke recognized football legend Uwe Seeler after his death as an “extraordinary” footballer and human being.
“Without a doubt, he was one of the best strikers that the Federal Republic of Germany has ever produced,” said the chairman of the supervisory board of the German Football League, who is also the managing director of Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.
“Uwe Seeler was a man who was deeply rooted in his hometown of Hamburg,” said Watzke. “All of this, coupled with a modesty that was second to none, has made him an idol and a role model for millions of people.” Seeler died on Thursday at the age of 85, as confirmed by his former club Hamburger SV, citing the Seelers family.
Former sporting director Rudi Völler from Bayer Leverkusen was dismayed at Seeler’s death. “I am shocked. My thoughts are with his family, to whom I offer my deepest condolences,” he said. “Uwe was a wonderful person, one of the greatest German sporting idols has left us.”
Former world association president Sepp Blatter wrote on Twitter that Seeler was also his idol. “The world mourns the loss of one of the best center forwards and a magnificent personality,” wrote the 86-year-old former FIFA boss. “He was also my idol – the same size, the same age. And a gifted goalgetter. Dear Uwe, you live on in our hearts. I will never forget you.”