Frankfurt / Main – On the occasion of the long canceled Germany – Italy international match in Nuremberg today, DFB President Fritz Keller appealed to solidarity in football.
“Even now we have to stand together. Perhaps this has never been more important than in these difficult days and weeks. Because we are no longer in competition with an opponent on the soccer field but are fighting a virus, not only in this country but all over the world, “said the top official in an open letter to the fans of the national team.
“We will survive this severe crisis together – step by step. The ball will roll again, I’m sure of it, “predicted Keller. The 62-year-old from Freiburg also recalled the difficult situation in Italy, which was particularly hard hit by the corona pandemic.
“All football has come to rest. Nevertheless, we are not only thinking of our Italian friends in the 90 minutes we wanted to spend together tonight. The news reaching us from there is staggering, “said Keller. “We not only shared many highlights and memorable games in football history with the Italians but we now also share the suffering and grief for the sick and dead.” The same applies to “our friends” in Spain. The DFB selection would normally have played against the Spanish selection in Madrid last Thursday.
“If we hopefully master this challenge together as soon as possible, we’ll see you in the stadium,” said Keller. “And not only celebrate the most beautiful thing in the world, football, but also the main thing: life.”
