German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, one of the greatest players of all time, has died at the age of 78.
Beckenbauer, nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’, won the World Cup with West Germany as a player in 1974 and a manager in 1990.
At club level, the former defender is considered a Bayern Munich legend having won three successive European Cups with the German giants in 1974-76 along with four Bundesliga titles.
A family statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
“We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
More to follow…
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