After BVB exit: Weidenfeller gives emotional speech for Kehl | OneFootball

Following Sebastian Kehl’s surprising departure from Borussia Dortmund, Roman Weidenfeller has spoken out with emotional words. The former goalkeeper paid tribute to his friend and made clear statements about BVB’s decision.

Sebastian Kehl’s surprising departure from Borussia Dortmund continues to spark emotional reactions – especially from Roman Weidenfeller. Speaking on the sidelines of a legends match, the former BVB goalkeeper found clear and personal words for his longtime companion. After the 1-1 draw between the BVB legends and Benfica Lisbon, it quickly became clear how deeply Weidenfeller was affected by his friend’s departure. “It shows how fast-moving the football business is,” said the 2014 World Cup winner at first, referring to the sudden split.

Then the 45-year-old became even more emotional. For more than two decades, Kehl had shaped the club – as a player, captain, and later as sporting director. “I think we all know that for 24 years he gave everything for Borussia every single day,” Weidenfeller stressed, paying particular tribute to his work behind the scenes: “You can only thank Sebastian for the passion he always showed.”

Weidenfeller also offered a deeply personal insight. “He will of course always remain my friend,” he said – making it clear that the club’s decision affected him not only professionally, but personally as well.

Despite Kehl’s exit: Weidenfeller accepts BVB’s course

Despite all the emotion, the former goalkeeper also showed understanding for the direction taken by the club’s leadership. A fresh start is part of the business, even when it affects deserving figures. “If at some point there is a realignment, then everyone is affected by it. No one can exempt themselves from that,” he said.

Photo: IMAGO

At the same time, attention is already turning to the future – at least on a smaller scale. Weidenfeller said he would have liked to see Kehl on the pitch already for the anniversary match at Stadion Rote Erde. “I would have liked to persuade him to be part of it here,” he revealed. But the departure was simply still too recent for that.

Even so, the hope of seeing him again in black and yellow remains – albeit in a different role. “But I can very well imagine that he’ll be involved at some point,” Weidenfeller said, referring to possible appearances for the BVB legends team. For him, one thing is clear: their shared past connects them. Or as he himself put it: “After all, that was the best time of both our lives.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.