Franz Beckenbauer

Back then, a half-a-century ago, the situation was totally different. Economically, we were practically on our knees, and politically, we were still excluded from the community of nations. Today, in this respect, we have a totally different and much more stable basis.
Franz Beckenbauer

Certainly it is a different world for players nowadays. But it depends on the individual.
Franz Beckenbauer

For example, Michael Jordan earns $100million a year but continues to play basketball and remains a modest human being.
Franz Beckenbauer

The Olympic stadium may have been built only in the early 1970s but it was clear for a long time it had no future. For many reasons it is not good enough for modern football and today’s fans.
Franz Beckenbauer

We should not fool ourselves. We are not one of the world’s top teams any more.
Franz Beckenbauer

The World Cup tournament overall and, naturally, the new stadiums at its heart, are the ideal platform to portray Germany as a positive and exceptional location, and above all of course, as a highly capable economic location.
Franz Beckenbauer

We are the last remaining country to allow ourselves two breaks in the season. You just have to look at England, Italy and Spain, they play right through the season. We on the other hand take six weeks off in the winter until the end of January, and that is a luxury.
Franz Beckenbauer

At any rate, I can only see such a success having positive effects for everyone, particularly as our anticipation of the World cup would only increase further.
Franz Beckenbauer

It would make me a lot happier if I could meet up again next year with as many friends as possible from all over the world who I’ve met during my career. That’s where the great opportunity lies, for me personally, in our role as World Cup host.
Franz Beckenbauer

Since Sven Goran Eriksson took over, England have been fantastic.
Franz Beckenbauer

The most important thing however is the money. What use would it be to us, to have a a mighty stadium but a useless team, because we couldn’t afford anything better?
Franz Beckenbauer

At least six Bayern players, who have won almost everything, are in the national squad.
Franz Beckenbauer