Franz Beckenbauer: Room Lit Up When He Entered, Says Julian Nagelsmann

Germany's greatest player, Franz Beckenbauer, has died. British players pay tribute, and Germany mourns the loss of a legend.

Germany's Julian Nagelsmann described Franz Beckenbauer as "the best footballer in German history" following the death of the World Cup-winning player and manager at the age of 78. Beckenbauer won the World Cup as a player in 1974 before leading the team to victory as manager in Italy in 1990. He also won the European Cup three times with Bayern Munich. Nagelsmann believes the record leaves Beckenbauer a cut above the rest. Nagelsmann said, "Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history. His interpretation of the role of the libero has changed the game. When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up. To the end, he was surrounded by an aura that could not be shaken by health problems. I am grateful and honored that I was able to meet him and I will remember him fondly."

Some of Britain's greatest players put traditional rivalries aside to pay tribute to Beckenbauer, led by Gary Lineker, who played against his German side in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals. Lineker wrote, "Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP." Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton also paid tribute, writing on social media, "Very sad to hear that the great @beckenbauer has sadly passed away. He was a fantastic player reaching world-class status @FIFAWorldCup RIP."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who coached Bayern from 2013-16, posted a picture with the German great on Instagram and wrote: "It was an honor to share good moments at @fcbayern. Rest in peace, @franzbeckenbauer." A sense of profound sadness swept the German game, not least at his old club Bayern, who wrote in a statement: "The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be - suddenly darker, quieter, poorer. The German record champions mourn Franz Beckenbauer, the unique 'Emperor', without whom FC Bayern would never have become the club it today is. Rest in peace."

Bayern and Germany striker Thomas Muller called Beckenbauer "one of the greatest footballers in the club's history", while former chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said his former team-mate "rewrote the history of German football and left a lasting impact on it". Another member of the 1990 squad and current DFB director of the senior national team, Rudi Voller, described knowing and playing under Beckenbauer as "one of the great privileges of my life". A statement from the Bundesliga read: "The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now, and always. RIP, Der Kaiser!"

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