Mats Hummels leaves the stage. In summer, the world champion brings football – a big one goes.
Do you still know where you were on July 4, 2014? What did you do? Long ago when you think about how fast the world is currently turning. If you can deal with football and sports every day, such data will be remembered.
On July 4th ago almost eleven years ago, Germany played against France in the World Cup quarter-finals in Brazil. It was the twelfth minute: Toni Kroos hits a flank into the penalty area, Mats Hummels climbs up – and heads the ball past the French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris into the goal. The winning goal and a milestone on the way to the later world champion title. A goal and a tournament that made Hummels immortal. Now the central defender has announced his end of his career in summer.
A big one goes from the stage, which became known primarily for his passionate grätschen. The world’s best players became wild with anger because Hummels suddenly started and she took out so fairly. But also his outdoor hit, his unconditional will to win and his massive head balls distinguished Mats Hummels. However, he was also eaten by ambition. Hummels always wanted everything and took a lot to heart. With that he also angry – among teammates and coaches.
This season he was eliminated with the AS Rome in the round of 16 of the Europa League against Athletic Bilbao because he failed. He called his tackle in the first third of the game “stupid” and “horrific” – she led to a red card. He made the greatest allegations. In general, his last year in Rome, a rather unfortunate marginal note in a career characterized by so many successes and titles.
A lot was discussed in the previous summer when Hummel’s’ contract expired at the BVB. Dortmund has to extend, one shouted. After all, he had brought the club to the Champions League final with his experience. Too old, too slow, the others said. He focused on his other strengths and delivered. And even if he built the chance through a critical interview against coach Edin Terzić himself, BVB would be happy if they had extended again by a year.
“For me, Mats was the silent hero of the 2014 World Cup. Other players have been reported more, but I don’t know whether we would have really become world champion without his achievements-especially in the final,” said world champion coach Jogi Löw after Hummels announced.
And so many memories of companions failed. One can say: Hummels has grown into many hearts – and sometimes surrounded his adversary.