German recognition for Rehhagel

Essen ceremony
The award was granted to the 66-year-old by German Federal President Horst Köhler for Rehhagel's services to the country both on and off the field. It was presented to him by North Rhine-Westphalia's prime minister Peer Steinbrück in his hometown of Essen.

'True ambassador'
Steinbrück said: "Otto Rehhagel has contributed immensely to German-Greek relations and that is just as important as his outstanding sporting success. He is a true ambassador for Germany."

'Huge triumph'
Rehhagel, who led underdogs Greece to victory at UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal, said: "I always knew I would be more than a coach when I accepted the job in Greece, because as a foreigner you have to deal with a lot more scrutiny. I accepted the challenge and together we achieved a great sporting triumph."

Illustrious career
In his career Rehhagel has won three German championships - with Werder Bremen (1988, 1993) and 1. FC Kaiserslautern (1998) - and also lifted the German Cup on three occasions, with Bremen (1991, 1994) and Fortuna Düsseldorf (1980). However, his greatest club achievement came in 1992 when he guided Bremen to glory in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.