Federal President Steinmeier congratulates Uwe Seeler on his 85th birthday

Federal President Steinmeier congratulates Uwe Seeler on his 85th birthday. dpa 42 min. ago | German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has congratulated soccer icon Uwe Seeler on his 85th birthday on Friday. "My good wishes go to a sports legend and a unique personality of German soccer," Steinmeier wrote. "As the youngest player of all time, you stepped onto the hallowed turf of Wembley, and four times you participated in World Cups. Unforgotten to this day is July 30, 1966, when you left the pitch in a bent-over posture after the controversial defeat to England. This almost iconographic image - the epitome of an unfortunate but fair and sporting loser - went around the world." Steinmeier praised Seeler's legendary back-heel goal at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico against defending champion England as "probably the most famous goal of your career." His modesty, loyalty and down-to-earthness also impressed the German president. "For all your fame and popularity, you have always remained true to yourself. You never forgot that you can only get to the top if you don't go it alone, but together - with your wife Ilka by your side, the teams, the coaches and the fans who always carried you on their hands and who, with 'Uwe, Uwe', had invented a battle cry that was still sounding even when you had already ended your career," Steinmeier wrote.