Bayern pay tribute to all-time great Gerd Muller before German Super Cup

Bayern pay tribute to all-time great Gerd Muller before German Super Cup

Bayern Munich have paid a touching tribute to football legend, and the club's all-time record goalscorer, Gerd Muller, after his tragic passing at the age of 75.

The former striker, who was fondly nicknamed 'Der Bomber' during his illustrious career, is regarded as one of the greatest ever forwards in the history of the sport.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2015 and, following years of battling with the illness, sadly died at the weekend.

Ahead of Bayern's Super Cup clash against Borussia Dortmund, both teams fell silent to pay their respects, while shirts emblazoned with Muller's name were held aloft.

Thomas Muller was the player entrusted with holding one of the jerseys during the minute's silence, before applause then broke out around the ground.

Team-mate, and captain, Manuel Neuer took the other, with the words 'Danke, Gerd!' printed on the front for the heartfelt moment.

Bayern's players also wore special warm-up tops during their pre-match drills, which bore Muller's name on the back using a throwback print.

'In memory of Gerd Muller, who passed away on Sunday, our players are wearing warm-up shirts with a special print,' the club said on social media.

The iconic Muller helped Germany win the 1974 World Cup and the 1972 European Championship title, and his career total of goals stands at 711 in 780 games.

He leads the way at the top of the charts for Bayern, with 552 goals in 607 appearances, and later became a coach of the club's second team.

Announcing his passing, Bayern said: 'Today the world of FC Bayern stands still. The all-time record German champions and its entire fan base mourn Gerd Muller, who died early on Sunday morning at the age of 75.'

Speaking about the loss, Bayern president Herbert Hainer added: 'Today is a sad, black day for FC Bayern and all of its fans. Gerd Muller was the greatest striker there has ever been - and a fine person, a personality in world football.

'We are united in deep sorrow with his wife Uschi and his family. Without Gerd Müller, FC Bayern would not be the club we all love today. His name and the memory of him will live on forever.'

Muller leaves behind his wife Uschi of more than 50 years and daughter Nicole.
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