As someone who does not have a Facebook account, is only vaguely aware of Twitter and has never heard of Instagram, Miroslav Klose prefers to communicate in person, face to face. Since he was unable to personally inform each and every fan of his decision to retire from international football, he chose to make the announcement via the most conservative method of mass communication: the homepage of the DFB website.
Although Klose opted to say a quiet farewell, it triggered a cacophony of tributes on social media. It is a world the 36-year-old barely recognises but one he nonetheless managed to unite in an unprecedented manner. One of the strengths of social networks is their ability to support a myriad of different opinions, but news of Miroslav Klose’s departure from the international stage prompted a level of agreement scarcely seen before. Within minutes of the announcement, more than 5,000 fans had commented on Miro’s retirement on the DFB’s Facebook page. Their reactions could be easily summed up as follows: Germany says thanks, and the fans pay tribute to a living legend.
Football fans show their respect
Several of the comments typified the thoughts and sentiments expressed by football fans across Germany. Oliver Roth wrote: “With his efficiency, modesty, fairness and team spirit he was probably the perfect example of an international footballer. I take my hat off to him.” Nancy Kahnert described Klose as “one of the most likeable people there ever has been or ever will be in football. We will miss him hugely. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING MIRO!!!” Francisco Lan looked to the past, present and future and concluded: “The best striker of all time!” – words that could easily have been echoed by an entire nation.
Not hundreds but thousands of commenters took a similar line in expressing their appreciation for the world champion and all-time record World Cup goalscorer. In a 13-year international career, Klose developed from shy and promising to virtually immortal: a player who let his football do the talking and proved that modesty can be a virtue even in professional football. He also demonstrated that success comes to those who work hard and are prepared to wait.
Klose did not catapult himself into the fans’ hearts; this was no case of love at first sight. Instead, he steadily grew in stature before achieving enduring popularity. Gaby Esch wrote: “Thank you Miro. You were and will always be the best. I wish you and your family the very best wishes and good health for the future. You are a hero Miro.” Klaus Bauer found another way in which to express his respect for the Lazio striker. Switching perspective, he wrote: “You relished facing any defender or goalkeeper across the world. They tried everything to stop you but rarely managed it.” His homage concludes with the words: “It always felt like watching your own son out on the pitch – like discovering a child’s hidden talent in the back garden – because of your irrepressible urge to score goals, love of the game, perfect technique, dynamism and confidence. Wherever you go in the world, your name will be synonymous with one of the greatest strikers and footballing personalities of all time. Thank you.”
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As someone who does not have a Facebook account, is only vaguely aware of Twitter and has never heard of Instagram, Miroslav Klose prefers to communicate in person, face to face. Since he was unable to personally inform each and every fan of his decision to retire from international football, he chose to make the announcement via the most conservative method of mass communication: the homepage of the DFB website.
Although Klose opted to say a quiet farewell, it triggered a cacophony of tributes on social media. It is a world the 36-year-old barely recognises but one he nonetheless managed to unite in an unprecedented manner. One of the strengths of social networks is their ability to support a myriad of different opinions, but news of Miroslav Klose’s departure from the international stage prompted a level of agreement scarcely seen before. Within minutes of the announcement, more than 5,000 fans had commented on Miro’s retirement on the DFB’s Facebook page. Their reactions could be easily summed up as follows: Germany says thanks, and the fans pay tribute to a living legend.
Football fans show their respect
Several of the comments typified the thoughts and sentiments expressed by football fans across Germany. Oliver Roth wrote: “With his efficiency, modesty, fairness and team spirit he was probably the perfect example of an international footballer. I take my hat off to him.” Nancy Kahnert described Klose as “one of the most likeable people there ever has been or ever will be in football. We will miss him hugely. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING MIRO!!!” Francisco Lan looked to the past, present and future and concluded: “The best striker of all time!” – words that could easily have been echoed by an entire nation.
Not hundreds but thousands of commenters took a similar line in expressing their appreciation for the world champion and all-time record World Cup goalscorer. In a 13-year international career, Klose developed from shy and promising to virtually immortal: a player who let his football do the talking and proved that modesty can be a virtue even in professional football. He also demonstrated that success comes to those who work hard and are prepared to wait.
Klose did not catapult himself into the fans’ hearts; this was no case of love at first sight. Instead, he steadily grew in stature before achieving enduring popularity. Gaby Esch wrote: “Thank you Miro. You were and will always be the best. I wish you and your family the very best wishes and good health for the future. You are a hero Miro.” Klaus Bauer found another way in which to express his respect for the Lazio striker. Switching perspective, he wrote: “You relished facing any defender or goalkeeper across the world. They tried everything to stop you but rarely managed it.” His homage concludes with the words: “It always felt like watching your own son out on the pitch – like discovering a child’s hidden talent in the back garden – because of your irrepressible urge to score goals, love of the game, perfect technique, dynamism and confidence. Wherever you go in the world, your name will be synonymous with one of the greatest strikers and footballing personalities of all time. Thank you.”
