Former Germany striker Uwe Seeler, one of his country’s greatest players, has died at the age of 85.
Seeler scored 43 goals in 72 games for West Germany at the time, and he appeared in four World Cups.
From 1954 to 1972, he spent his entire club career at Hamburg, scoring 490 goals in 580 appearances.
“We will never forget him and will always cherish him,” said Hamburg board member Jonas Boldt.
“Uwe Seeler stands for everything that characterises a good person: Down-to-earthness, loyalty, joie de vivre, plus he was always approachable. He is the epitome of HSV.”
“Uwe Seeler is remembered in Hamburg. He was the Bundesliga’s first top scorer. He passed away surrounded by his loved ones “Hamburg’s municipality issued a statement.
The striker captained West Germany 40 times, including the 1966 World Cup final defeat to England.
Seeler is the club’s all-time leading scorer, and in 2003 he was named an honorary citizen of Hamburg.
Seeler, who played in the same four World Cups as Pele, was named one of Fifa’s 125 greatest living players in 2004.
Seeler became the first player to score in four World Cups, edging Pele by a few minutes.
“He played in four World Cups and more than 70 times for his country, helping to shape modern German football. Uwe, may you rest in peace “Uefa stated.
Seeler will be remembered in a moment of silence before Germany’s quarter-final match against Austria at Brentford Community Stadium on Thursday, according to European football’s governing body.
Seeler will be remembered in a moment of silence before Germany’s quarter-final match against Austria at Brentford Community Stadium on Thursday, according to European football’s governing body.