FRANZ BECKENBAUER: BARCELONA TO REACH UCL FINAL
Franz Beckenbauer says he is a fan of the Catalan giants, hence he backs the team to reach the champions league final. This came as the team defeated Athletico Madrid in the 2016 quarter finals match on Tuesday.
AC Milan were the last team to win the title back to back while the tournament was in the former format. AC Milan won the titles during the 1989 – 1990 season when the three Dutchmen in Marco Van Basten, Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullits changed Italian football.
Beckenbauer admitted he has a soft spot for Barcelona star, Leo Messi. He says he wishes to see The Blaugrana in the final come May 2016 in Milan. The Luis Enrique-led team is hoping to be the first team to successfully defend the UCL title since it was rebranded in 1992.
“The way they [Barcelona] play football is very unique and entertaining, I certainly consider myself a Barcelona fan,” said legendary World Cup winner as part as his ambassadorial role for the Football for Friendship project. The reason for their success has a name: Leo Messi. He is simply the best.”
Beckenbauer, 70, won the world cup in 1974 as a german player and also as a coach in 1990. He added that he ultimately wanted Bayern Munich to win the cup though.
He said: “I wish I can see Messi and his Barcelona play in Milan in the final against Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich will win 5-4 on penalties in the end though!”
The legend also has his own issues as he was warned and fined by FIFA’s ethics committee for his failure to cooperate in the inquiry into the 2018 and 2022 World cups bid. The German was one of the 22-man committee that voted to decide the hosts of the prestigious tournament.
Tags: Bayern, beckenbauer, FIFA, Franz