UEFA will honor Klose on Thursday in Monaco

The former player and now German coach Miroslav Klose will receive next Thursday in Monaco, at the opening gala of the new season, the 2023 UEFA President award.

The prize, which last year went to the Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi, recognizes the outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities of Klose, a Polish-born striker of German nationality, who played in Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Lazio.

UEFA highlighted in its statement that Klose, world champion in Brazil 2014 and top scorer in the history of World Cups, is a good example of fair play and he recalled two situations in which he starred in which he refused to take advantage of the referee’s mistakes and favored the integrity of his team over the possible advantage.

Two fair play gestures

In 2005, when he was playing for Werder Bremen, he was the target of a tackle which the referee awarded as a penalty, with a warning for the opponent, and Klose explained to the referee that the opponent had made contact with the ball and should he can change his decision, as well as later.

Seven years later, in a Napoli-Lazio match and after scoring a header, he informed the referee that he had used his hand to deflect the ball, causing the goal to be disallowed.

Ceferin’s arguments

President of UEFA Alexander Ceferinemphasized that “from humble beginnings to becoming the leading scorer in World Cup history, Klose’s career is not only a testament to determination and skill, but also to a sportsmanship that transcends the boundaries of professionalism and self.” sports”.

“His behavior and his determination to defend what is fair is an example for generations of athletes around the world,” added the Slovenian manager, who will present the award to Klose.