Franz Beckenbauer Seriously Ill

(Patria) - The health condition of the legendary German footballer and coach Franz Beckenbauer has worsened significantly, as confirmed to local media by former footballer Lothar Matthäus.

- Franz Beckenbauer is not in the best of health. Franz always said that the most important thing in life is health, and he currently does not have it - Matthäus said.

In recent months, there have been several speculations about the health of Beckenbauer, who will turn 78 on September 11, reports the German news agency dpa.

A World Cup winner as a player (1974) and coach (1990), with Matthäus as captain, he has largely withdrawn from public life.

For health reasons, Beckenbauer did not participate in the recent meeting of former members of the 1990 national team, which was held on July 9 in Grassau am Chiemsee.

Due to health reasons, Beckenbauer decided at the beginning of the year not to travel to Brazil for the funeral of his friend Pelé.

- I would love to do that, but unfortunately my health does not allow for such a long flight. I will bid farewell to my friend on his final journey in my heart - the former footballer with the imperial nickname Kaiser said at the time in an interview with Bild am Sonntag.