Karl-Heinz Schnellinger, (foto: splet)
Renowned former German left-back Karl-Heinz Schnellinger, a key player for Milan and the German national team, has passed away at the age of 86.
German football legend Karl-Heinz Schnellinger has passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by the football clubs Köln and Milan. The news was also reported by the German news agency Dpa. Schnellinger died in the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, and his family confirmed the sad news.
Schnellinger began his football career with Köln, where he played from 1958 to 1963. In an era when few players moved abroad, Schnellinger made a significant impact in Italian football from 1963 to 1974. He wore the jerseys of Mantova, Roma, and most notably, Milan.
At Milan, Schnellinger left a lasting legacy. He won the Italian league title in 1968 and the European Cup (now the Champions League) in 1969. He played 222 matches in Serie A for Milan and also won the Cup Winners' Cup twice with the club. With Köln, he won the Bundesliga in 1962.
As a German national team player, Schnellinger participated in four World Cups, with the highlight being the 1966 World Cup, where Germany reached the final but lost to England. He earned 47 caps for Germany, scoring one goal.
Schnellinger will be remembered as one of the pioneers who successfully transitioned to international football and left an indelible mark on both club and country.