German football pays tribute to Enke

German football united on Sunday to pay its final respects to Hannover 96's international goalkeeper Robert Enke, who died aged 32 on Tuesday.

Service
Around 50,000 fans gathered at the city's stadium for a funeral service watched by millions on television and attended by Enke's widow Theresa as well as the Germany and Hannover squads. Several of his team-mates bore the coffin out of the stadium after the ceremony and Enke was buried alongside his daughter Lara, who died aged two from a heart defect in 2006.

Zwanziger's tribute
German Football Association president Dr. Theo Zwanziger made an emotional plea for more "humanity and civil courage". He added: "Football isn't everything, and should never be allowed to be everything. It can be a strong part of life, but only if we do not chase records like men possessed. Because the real trophies certainly aren't won on the pitch, or even in this world. This week in Hanover I have truly experienced a real sense of humility and respect, two things which Robert Enke truly appreciated in life."

Respects paid
Due to the death of the popular goalkeeper – who also played for FC Carl Zeiss Jena, VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, SL Benfica, FC Barcelona, Fenerbahçe SK, CD Tenerife – Germany cancelled their international friendly against Chile on Saturday. There will be a minute's silence before all games in the Bundesliga next week.