amazing, that you turned it down.. Respect!
1
Guest Of Honour
Christian Schäfer Was An Honorary Guest At The Final Of The European Championships
14/07/2024
My return to Germany had been an enjoyable one. While I was initially greeted by a host of reporters upon my arrival, I was fortunate enough to remain free of the intolerable and persistent questioning of the media, which I suffered throughout my time in Madrid. I have been able to enjoy a new-found freedom, a luxury which has not been known to me for nine whole years.
My time at home was spent mostly with my family. My mother, a former nurse, and my father, a retired mechanic, were decent and honest people. They drilled in to me the value of family and friends, and guided me in my early years. To them, I owed everything. Each and every victory in my career proved to be a testament of their undying love and nurturing. I dedicated my trophy haul to them.
I had two siblings; a brother and a sister. They both served the people, patrolling the streets of Dresden as policemen. They believed in honesty and in diligence, two characteristics which I liked to believe I shared with them. Reuniting with them had been a moment of great fondness for me, and I cherished each moment I had with them.
My family set time aside to view the UEFA European Championships of 2024 on the television together. Germany were one of the favourites to lift the trophy, and we urged Luis Enrique's men on in each game. We were very loyal to 'Die Mannschaft', and I had personally dreamed of leading my own country in a major tournament, such as the European Championships.
My time at home was spent mostly with my family. My mother, a former nurse, and my father, a retired mechanic, were decent and honest people. They drilled in to me the value of family and friends, and guided me in my early years. To them, I owed everything. Each and every victory in my career proved to be a testament of their undying love and nurturing. I dedicated my trophy haul to them.
I had two siblings; a brother and a sister. They both served the people, patrolling the streets of Dresden as policemen. They believed in honesty and in diligence, two characteristics which I liked to believe I shared with them. Reuniting with them had been a moment of great fondness for me, and I cherished each moment I had with them.
My family set time aside to view the UEFA European Championships of 2024 on the television together. Germany were one of the favourites to lift the trophy, and we urged Luis Enrique's men on in each game. We were very loyal to 'Die Mannschaft', and I had personally dreamed of leading my own country in a major tournament, such as the European Championships.
Christian Schäfer And His Family Idolised Die Mannschaft And Watched Every Game
Germany began the tournament brightly, defeating Denmark 2-0 in their opening group stage fixture. Albania and Portugal were Germany's other two opponents in the group stage, but they stood no chance as Maximilian Meyer inspired his side to a total of three victories in three games in the group stage. This one hundred percent record had set the tone for what looked a promising campaign.
Germany would face England in the second round, and the media had hyped up the fixture as one of Germany's greatest challenges. Under Gary Bowyer, England had become a settled and composed group of players. With Southampton striker Brian Laight and Liverpool attacking midfielder Steven Forde leading the line for England, they had no fear.
The game was a tense one, and England's Saido Berahino scored the first goal of the game after seven minutes. The West Ham star powered a header past Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Minutes later, England had doubled their lead through Brian Laight, who curled a fantastic effort past ter Stegen following great player from Nathan MacDaid.
Germany struck back in the first half through striker Nurettin Topaloğlu, but were unable to secure an equaliser. England proved to be too strong defensively, breaking the hearts of Germany with their astute defending. Composed performances from Brendan Galloway and Luke Shaw secured the victory for England, knocking Germany out of the competition, and costing Luis Enrique his job as manager of Germany.
England defeated Croatia in the quarter finals by an impressive two goal margin, setting up a tie against Holland in the semi finals. However, the Dutch proved to be resistant, and broke English hearts on penalties. Holland manager Jaap Stam had ensured his team played with defensive resilience, and this proved vital as the Dutch secured a spot in the final, where they would face Portugal.
A close friend of mine, Cristiano Ronaldo, had offered me a seat in Portugal's VIP box in the San Siro for the final, and I graciously accepted this kind gift. Portugal's greatest ever player had just completed his final season as a football player, and was an honorary guest at the final. Cristiano had offered me a seat alongside him, as a sign of gratitude for the past season with Real Madrid.
The atmosphere at San Siro was incredible. The orange-clad supporters of Holland and the those in the proud colours of Portugal were in full song ahead of the game, and an excitement grew among the spectators. Riechedly Bazoer and Rui Patrício lead their teams out, and a historical game in Portuguese football had begun.
It took less than three minutes for the first goal of the final to occur, and it was Ronaldo's countrymen who broke the deadlock. Keeping possession in the opposition half, Portugal looked to create an opening. Midfielder Renato Sanches was at the heart of the move, and his one-two with Bruma lead to the former with the ball at his feet with just the goalkeeper to beat. The Schalke midfielder comfortably beat Jeffrey de Lange with a low shot, giving Portugal the lead, and sending the ecstatic Cristiano Ronaldo in to raptures along side me.
Germany would face England in the second round, and the media had hyped up the fixture as one of Germany's greatest challenges. Under Gary Bowyer, England had become a settled and composed group of players. With Southampton striker Brian Laight and Liverpool attacking midfielder Steven Forde leading the line for England, they had no fear.
The game was a tense one, and England's Saido Berahino scored the first goal of the game after seven minutes. The West Ham star powered a header past Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Minutes later, England had doubled their lead through Brian Laight, who curled a fantastic effort past ter Stegen following great player from Nathan MacDaid.
Germany struck back in the first half through striker Nurettin Topaloğlu, but were unable to secure an equaliser. England proved to be too strong defensively, breaking the hearts of Germany with their astute defending. Composed performances from Brendan Galloway and Luke Shaw secured the victory for England, knocking Germany out of the competition, and costing Luis Enrique his job as manager of Germany.
England defeated Croatia in the quarter finals by an impressive two goal margin, setting up a tie against Holland in the semi finals. However, the Dutch proved to be resistant, and broke English hearts on penalties. Holland manager Jaap Stam had ensured his team played with defensive resilience, and this proved vital as the Dutch secured a spot in the final, where they would face Portugal.
A close friend of mine, Cristiano Ronaldo, had offered me a seat in Portugal's VIP box in the San Siro for the final, and I graciously accepted this kind gift. Portugal's greatest ever player had just completed his final season as a football player, and was an honorary guest at the final. Cristiano had offered me a seat alongside him, as a sign of gratitude for the past season with Real Madrid.
The atmosphere at San Siro was incredible. The orange-clad supporters of Holland and the those in the proud colours of Portugal were in full song ahead of the game, and an excitement grew among the spectators. Riechedly Bazoer and Rui Patrício lead their teams out, and a historical game in Portuguese football had begun.
It took less than three minutes for the first goal of the final to occur, and it was Ronaldo's countrymen who broke the deadlock. Keeping possession in the opposition half, Portugal looked to create an opening. Midfielder Renato Sanches was at the heart of the move, and his one-two with Bruma lead to the former with the ball at his feet with just the goalkeeper to beat. The Schalke midfielder comfortably beat Jeffrey de Lange with a low shot, giving Portugal the lead, and sending the ecstatic Cristiano Ronaldo in to raptures along side me.
Renato Sanches Was A Key Figure For Portugal And Starred In The Final Against Holland
The ten minutes following the opening goal of a football game were often the most vital, in my opinion, and Portugal certainly did not let up on the pressure. From a Renato Sanches set-piece, the ball found its way to Bruma and from thirty yards out, the Portuguese winger powered a shot at goal. Jeffrey de Lange dived low to his right to parry the ball away, but only as far as Portugal's Gonçalo Guedes who doubled his side's lead before ten minutes had been played.
The second goal had sent the Portuguese fans in to hysteria, and the party had already started in the stadium with eighty minutes remaining. Alongside me, Ronaldo was in dreamland, but held a weary smile. Had Cristiano not retired from international football two years previously, he could have been leading his country out in this final, and could have been involved in the 2-0 lead. However, his regrets did not deny him his joyous celebrations, and he willed his country on to hold on to their lead.
It was Portugal's final to lose, and they very nearly added to their two early goals as they game drew on. Bruma struck the post with a curled shot from the edge of the box, and Renato Sanches saw his rasping effort from range palmed away by Jeffrey de Lange. In the second half, André Silva attempted to chip the Dutch goalkeeper, bu de Lange moved swiftly to tip the ball over the bar.
Holland offered no sign of getting back in to the game, and they were dejected long before the full-time whistle at the San Siro was blown. As the match officials called time on the fixture, the Portuguese players and fans alike burst in to cheers of utter delight. It was their country's first ever major trophy victory, and a precious moment in their history.
As Rui Patrício lifted the trophy, I felt for Cristiano Ronaldo who sat alongside me. Cristiano had accomplished everything in football on the club scene, but he had never lifted a trophy for his country. He would not speak of it, but the regret to have never guided his country to international glory was written on his face. Had he not retired so soon, he could have accomplished this task.
In my eyes, Cristiano was certainly capable of still contributing to Portugal, having scored 54 goals for Real Madrid in the past season, his final season of football. I did not agree with Cristiano's decision to retire, as he was certainly capable of playing for three or more seasons, but I certainly understood it. Cristiano had achieved all he felt he could, and he had begun to burnout enormously. The time was right.
I spent two more days in Milan, visiting historical venues and admiring the local cuisine and architecture. Prior to my return to Germany, I enjoyed lunch with Cristiano. We discussed the future of football, and the future of each of our careers. Cristiano revealed to me that he had aspirations to become a successful football manager, and I supported his desires. I believed Cristiano had everything required to become a successful manager, and I knew he would have an impact on the game.
Following our meal, we said our goodbyes to each other and we wished good fortune upon each other's careers. It had been a pleasure to enjoy Cristiano's company outside of a professional relationship. While I was unsure of when our next encounter would take place, I was certain that Cristiano would play a role in my career in the future, whether that be with or against me.
The second goal had sent the Portuguese fans in to hysteria, and the party had already started in the stadium with eighty minutes remaining. Alongside me, Ronaldo was in dreamland, but held a weary smile. Had Cristiano not retired from international football two years previously, he could have been leading his country out in this final, and could have been involved in the 2-0 lead. However, his regrets did not deny him his joyous celebrations, and he willed his country on to hold on to their lead.
It was Portugal's final to lose, and they very nearly added to their two early goals as they game drew on. Bruma struck the post with a curled shot from the edge of the box, and Renato Sanches saw his rasping effort from range palmed away by Jeffrey de Lange. In the second half, André Silva attempted to chip the Dutch goalkeeper, bu de Lange moved swiftly to tip the ball over the bar.
Holland offered no sign of getting back in to the game, and they were dejected long before the full-time whistle at the San Siro was blown. As the match officials called time on the fixture, the Portuguese players and fans alike burst in to cheers of utter delight. It was their country's first ever major trophy victory, and a precious moment in their history.
As Rui Patrício lifted the trophy, I felt for Cristiano Ronaldo who sat alongside me. Cristiano had accomplished everything in football on the club scene, but he had never lifted a trophy for his country. He would not speak of it, but the regret to have never guided his country to international glory was written on his face. Had he not retired so soon, he could have accomplished this task.
In my eyes, Cristiano was certainly capable of still contributing to Portugal, having scored 54 goals for Real Madrid in the past season, his final season of football. I did not agree with Cristiano's decision to retire, as he was certainly capable of playing for three or more seasons, but I certainly understood it. Cristiano had achieved all he felt he could, and he had begun to burnout enormously. The time was right.
I spent two more days in Milan, visiting historical venues and admiring the local cuisine and architecture. Prior to my return to Germany, I enjoyed lunch with Cristiano. We discussed the future of football, and the future of each of our careers. Cristiano revealed to me that he had aspirations to become a successful football manager, and I supported his desires. I believed Cristiano had everything required to become a successful manager, and I knew he would have an impact on the game.
Following our meal, we said our goodbyes to each other and we wished good fortune upon each other's careers. It had been a pleasure to enjoy Cristiano's company outside of a professional relationship. While I was unsure of when our next encounter would take place, I was certain that Cristiano would play a role in my career in the future, whether that be with or against me.
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But I'm getting the feeling of international management?
How could you tease us like this?!?
