Funeral service for Uwe Seeler: In Hamburg they sing bye – sport

Where the ball used to be ready to kick off, there was now a piano. On the grandstand, people followed the tones, they sang, they even clapped to the classic “In Hamburg you say goodbye”. Pianist Joja Wendt had turned the song into a jazzy version that made it hard for people to stop tapping their feet. There are no other see-saws at funeral services, but what does that mean: otherwise. The Hamburg fans came to say goodbye to Uwe Seeler, their Uwe. And they should do it as he liked best, for which he himself had been admired: with heart and ease.

Uwe Seeler died on July 21 at the age of 85. His death had moved many. Last Thursday, Seeler was buried with his family in the Ohlsdorf cemetery, a good 14 kilometers from the Volkspark Stadium. Seeler’s family had decided against a church celebration, they wanted to stay where the former footballer often had his best hours, close to the people. “Uwe also had a lot of humor,” said actor Olli Dietrich, who gave the last speech as a family friend. Then he imitated a fictitious radio scene, got a lot of applause from the stands. A small tremor in his voice, then he concluded, “I know you’re looking down from up here.”

Almost 5,000 people had gathered in the HSV Arena at 2 p.m., far fewer than expected: over 50,000 would have found space. The Hamburg Sailors’ Choir opened the ceremony, and Hamburg’s Mayor Peter Tschentscher praised Seeler as “one of the best German footballers of all time”, for which there was intermittent applause. In 2003, Hamburg awarded Seeler honorary citizenship; not only because he had won the German championship and cup in the 1960s and was even the top scorer in the Bundesliga in 1964. Above all, it was about social commitment. For his 60th birthday, Seeler set up his own foundation to support people in need. “Hamburg loses a piece of itself with Uwe Seeler,” said Tschentscher, and also: “His name stands for fairness and team spirit.” The footballer had only received one red card in his career.

“His loyalty to Hamburg and HSV was legendary and unparalleled,” says Neuendorf, “it seems even more outdated today than it was then.”

Then Hans Albers sang the famous “La Paloma” from the stadium speakers, in which he sets sail and has a message ready for loved ones at home: “My heart goes on board and the journey must go, your pain will pass and it will be beautiful the reunion. […] Don’t cry, my child, the tears are in vain.” Pictures shone down on the two display boards, once Seeler boldly leaned out of a car in black and white; on another he laughed together with his wife Ilka, also for his His cheerfulness was admired by the fans.The family also chose the music for the day with this in mind: connected to home, with the potential to sway.

Bernd Neuendorf, President of the German Football Association, also spoke to invited guests such as Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz or national coach Hansi Flick; he called Seeler someone who was open to everyone – “Uwe calls” went through the audience. His appearances at world championships would have cast a spell over millions of people, and Seeler maneuvered the ball into the goal from the most unlikely of angles. He finished second in the World Cup and third once in the World Cup, scoring 43 goals in 72 games. The national team had one of their best times with Uwe Seeler, said the DFB President. It’s almost ridiculous that he never won a title in the German jersey. But: “Uwe Seeler didn’t need a title to become an idol.”

During his career, Seeler remained loyal to HSV. Turning down an offer from Inter Milan made him even more popular. “His loyalty to Hamburg and HSV was legendary and unprecedented,” said Neuendorf, “it seems even more outdated today than it was then.” HSV board member Jonas Boldt paid tribute to Seeler: “He’s one of us – only better.”

“Uwe, Uwe” rang out from the ranks at the end. And then it sounded like enthusiasm for football again, not sadness.