Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer is the only man to have won the world cup as player and manager and his other accomplishments on and off the pitch are numerous. Right now he's busy as president of the 2006 world cup committee.

On September 11 he celebrates his 60th birthday.

How would you describe your character?

I find it difficult to talk about myself. It's better if those around me or those who know me say something.

euromaxx: Who is your personal hero?

Well, my hero when I was a child was a cowboy. His name was Fuzzi. I don't know if you ever saw these black-and-white films from 40 or 50 years ago. Later, of course, my role models were mostly in soccer. My passion was soccer, and it still is. There was Pele, Uwe Seeler, and not to forget Fritz Walter back then. Those were my soccer role models.

What temptation are you unable to resist?

I was born under the sign of Virgo, as you know. They are actually sensitive and reserved. I tend to say: I have to have that! This is most people's driving force, anyway: to have something. And as soon as they have it, it's becomes worthless.

Give us a pearl of wisdom!

To be decent, to become a decent human being in the course of life. I think that is the most important thing we can achieve in life.

Do you have an unfulfilled dream?

I don't have a dream. Of course, I sometimes dream, but that's something else. I have neither dreams nor wishes. The only thing that still seems important to me, professionally, is the world championship in 2006. We went to a lot of effort to have it hosted in Germany. Now we'vbe got it, and I hope everything works smoothly and that afterward everyone says Germany was a good host.

What really drives you bananas?

Bananas? I'd have to go somewhere in the jungle to find bananas. Not much, really. Of course, you always have your moments when you don't have complete control over yourself. Slow drivers in the left lane on the Autobahn. It could be that in such a situation a little curse crosses my lips.

What is a perfect day for you?

The perfect day is to get up early and first go on a march with my dogs. Afterward, to spend time with the children, to have breakfast with them, and if possible take them to kindergarten. With me, well, I travel a lot. In the short time when I'm at home, I try to spend time with the children, to do something, to be busy, so in the evening I can look back and say it was a successful day. If you want, then you can finish the day with a glass of red wine and a little cigar.