Whether Özil, Khedira or Klose: The stars of Germany’s recent football past could soon be on the pitch together again. There is a special idea behind it.
According to a media report, prominent former national players such as Sami Khedira and Mesut Özil could play for Germany in a new tournament for footballers over 35 in the summer.
Kevin Kuranyi will put together the German team as captain, as the 41-year-old confirmed to the German Press Agency.
The 52-time international said he was asked by former Argentina international Esteban Cambiasso, who is supposed to be captain of his nation, to put together a team. For his selection, he asked various ex-professionals, including Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jens Lehmann. There are already commitments.
Kuranyi’s conversations with Özil and Khedira
Kuranyi said he was also in talks with former world champions Özil and Khedira. However, their participation is still open. “I am happy about every new commitment to the team and think that we will represent Germany well,” said Kuranyi. A former professional should also act as a trainer. “If I’m fit, I’ll play too.”
The tabloid “Daily Mail” had reported on the possible participation of Özil and Khedira. The provisional squads should also include Ronaldinho and Kaka (Brazil), Michael Owen and Frank Lampard (England), Henry and Christian Karembeu (France) as well as Francesco Totti, Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi (Italy).
Elite Players Group wants to ‘create a new kind of football’
The tournament is to be organized by the Elite Players Group (EPG), an association of former football professionals and entrepreneurs. The goal: “To create and organize a new type of football that extends the careers of the best players who once played for their national teams so that they can continue to give their best,” the organizers write on their website.
Accordingly, only players who are at least 35 years old and have been called up to the national team for their country or have made 100 appearances in the top division are allowed to take part. The tournament is planned for June with eight teams, all of which have become world champions. In addition to Germany, England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain and Uruguay are scheduled to take part.