Karl Heinz Schnellinger, one of the legends of German football of the 60s and 70s, died overnight at the “San Raffaele” hospital in Milan at the age of 85. His daughter Birgit confirmed the news.
Schnellinger, linked to our country for 50 years, lived in Italy. In his career, the rear he played four world championships between 1958 and 1970. During the last World Cup, that of Mexico, the footballer, born March 31, 1939 in Düren, equalized (1-1) in the 90th minute in the semi-final against Italy. The match was later renamed “Italy-Germany 4-3” due to the Azzurri's success in extra time.
Schnellinger, nicknamed “Volkswagen” in Germany and “Carlo il Biondo” in Italy, won several club titles. Last year, before the introduction of the German Bundesliga, he became champion with FC Koeln (1962), before moving to the peninsula. In Italy he played for Mantua, Roma and finally Milan. He ended his career during the 1974-1975 season with TeBe Berlin. Especially with the Rossoneri he won the Italian Cup three times (1967, 1972, 1973), twice the Cup Winners' Cup (1968, 1973), the 1968 championshipA Champions Cup (1969) and a Intercontinental Cup (1969).
Karl-Heinz Schnellinger leaves behind his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren.
