Former Bayern Munich defender Sammy Kuffour has clarified reports that his transfer fee from Torino to Bayern Munich was paid by then Bayern skipper Lothar Mathaus.
Kuffour is reported to have said that but for Matthaus’ strange but kind gesture he wouldn’t have joined the German giants.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Sammy who spent twelve years at the Allianz Arena cleared the air on the biggest move in his football career.
He narrated that Matthaus, after seeing him in action for Torino, the German legend decided to get him to Bayern when his contract with the Italian club expire but having been convinced by his talent, the club went ahead to get him from Torino.
“The story most people don’t know is that when I was about signing for Bayern Munich the money was very huge. I read it somewhere that Lothar Matthaus bought me but let me clarify it was not like that. He decided to buy me after the contract of Torino but Bayern Munich was just saying why can’t we buy him. So that was a great success story.
“So, I want to thank him for giving me the opportunity to prove to the world that everything is possible when you put your mind to it and for me Bundesliga has been a target for me. Playing for Bayern Munich for twelve years, knowing a lot of people and playing alongside the great players was great. Kuffour also eulogized Matthaus for the role he played in his early days at the club.
“I remember one day I was feeling cold and he took me to the team garage and there was a man who has everything there. His name was Charlie. By the time I realized, I had about 3, 4 suitcases of Adidias to take home. Lothar was talking too much on the field and that helped me because I was young, I had the energy to do everything but you need someone who can direct you and help you become a great player so once again thank so much Lothar.”
In twelve years at Bayern, Kuffour won fourteen trophies including the UEFA Champions League and the German Bundesliga.
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