Final whistle blows for Bayern hero Kahn
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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Goalkeeper Oliver Kahn called a halt to his playing career on Tuesday evening, starring in FC Bayern München's 1-1 friendly draw against a Germany XI as he experienced "the joy of being out there" one last time.
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Final exit
Capped 85 times by Germany between 1995 and 2006, the 39-year-old Kahn was the star of the show at the Fußball Arena München. He may have conceded a 33rd-minute goal to Hamburger SV's Piotr Trochowski, but he was cheered whenever he touched the ball and left the field in style on 75 minutes as he was replaced by Michael Rensing: the stadium lights were lowered and the tenor Paul Potts sang Time to Say Goodbye.
Small regret
"It's the end of an extraordinary part of my life, but also the start of something new," said the goalkeeper, who made 128 league appearances for Karlsruher SC before joining Bayern in 1994. He would win eight Bundesliga titles and the 2001 UEFA Champions League with the Bavarian side, yet admitted he would like to have ended his stay with the club – which included 430 top-flight appearances – having scored at least once.
Moving experience
"Tonight was very moving for me, perhaps the most emotional moment of my career," said Kahn after the testimonial, in which Miroslav Klose netted from newcomer Massimo Oddo's pass to equalise for Bayern. "I was under pressure my whole career whereas now I just had the joy of being out there in this stadium and in front of these fans one last time." The 69,000 spectators showed their appreciation as Kahn made a lap of honour in the closing stages.
No regrets
However, for all the tearful farewells, Kahn was adamant he would not miss football. "I have experienced everything that professional football has to offer. Now I can close the book," he said, adding that initially retirement had "felt awkward". "After two decades, you suddenly wake up without a contract, knowing that this phase of your life has come to an end. Then I relaxed a bit and started to enjoy the day."
'The other half'
Kahn has been doing punditry on German television and has also been asked to talk to young people in Bavaria. "My message will be simple," he said. "Talent is not enough: hard work, diligence and an iron will breed success. It's not the most talented competitor that wins the fight, but the most determined one." He concluded: "I have many new challenges ahead. I spent the first half of my life as a professional footballer. Now the other half is about to begin."