The 150-cap World Cup winner on dreams, despair and Diego
At 19, you were in West Germany’s squad as they won Euro 1980. How did that feel?
It was my dream to represent my country. I hadn’t been expected to make the squad, but injuries meant the coach, Jupp Derwall, had some room for me. I only played in one match, but it was an incredible experience and vital in helping me to become a big part of the squad in future tournaments.
After moving to Bayern Munich in 1984, you instantly bagged three Bundesliga titles in a row – not bad going...
It wasn’t easy to say goodbye to Borussia Monchengladbach – they had given me my chance at the top level and I loved the club – but Bayern came calling and I wanted to win titles. I was immediately struck by the fierce mentality in the dressing room. That was the key to our success. We had talented players, but our will to win – to fight for one another and never give less than everything – was the real reason behind our victories.
Then you moved to Inter in 1988, winning trophies alongside compatriots Andreas Brehme and Jurgen Klinsmann...
It was an amazing time. Italian football was probably at its peak, with some magnificent players: Diego Maradona, Ruud Gullit, Roberto Baggio, Marco van Basten… and that was just our rivals! Every weekend was a battle, and at Inter we were willing to die on the field for one another. To share that experience with my compatriots – two excellent players with huge mentalities – was a privilege. Off the pitch, our team-mates adopted us as three of their own – Italians who just happened to be from another nation. We all spent a lot of time together, at restaurants and at each other’s homes. We had that unity to thank for our on-pitch success. I value my Serie A and UEFA Cup medals extremely highly.
As you were captaining West Germany to glory at Italia 90 during that period, what do you remember of the semi-final against England, with Gazza’s tears and a penalty shootout win for your team?
It was one of the best matches of the whole tournament. England were an outstanding team and also deserved to reach the final for their performance that night. Paul Gascoigne was a player we knew we’d have to keep an eye on. He had vision and strength, but he could dribble like a forward despite playing deeper, in midfield. Unfortunately for them, England maybe lost the emotional battle of that game – not just with Gazza, but when it came to the penalties, too. Thankfully, we remained a bit more calm and focused. That was the only difference in the end.
Is it true you donned Diego Maradona’s boo
