Mats Hummels: Deisler’s resignation “tragic” – criticism of Zidane’s headbutt

Mats Hummels is still a long way from retiring.

The 31-year-old is playing a strong season at Borussia Dortmund, and his return to the national team is being asked again and again.

Some former colleagues like André Schürrle, Benedikt Höwedes or Sandro Wagner recently ended their careers – Hummels also spoke about this in the podcast Alone is difficult with his brother Jonas.

For a career end with a bang, today’s real coach Zinédine Zidane once ensured in the final of the 2006 World Cup with France.

Hummels criticizes Zidane for headbutt

“For me it is the most controversial exit ever. He simply ended his career with his headbutt in the World Cup final,” said Hummels, who made it clear that it was “not a hymn of praise”.

Because “the other 22 (from France’s squad, editor’s note. Red.) would have really liked to become world champion, “said the defender and painted a theoretical scenario.

“If I play in the final next year and the Schmelle (BVB colleague Marcel Schmelzer, editor’s note. Red.) ends his career with a headbutt, gets red and we lose the final, then I’m mad at Schmelle. “

France lost the final in Germany on penalties against Italy. That’s why Zidane ensured a departure “that will be remembered forever. In my opinion, it is clearly negative.”

Deisler’s end of career shocked Hummels

Another resignation hit Hummels in a different way. “What touched me the most: Sebastian Deisler’s retirement. That was just tragic, from one of the talents of the century,” he said.

The then Bayern player missed several months in the 2003/2004 season due to depression and finally ended his career in January 2007 at the age of 27.

“I trained with him. I haven’t seen footballers like that often in my life,” said Hummels: “At the age of 27, he simply ended his career completely out of nowhere – at least for all outsiders. It touched me back then. because I knew him, because I trained with him. “

Hummels smiles: “I’m still a fan of Germany”

He was “a big fan” of Deisler’s playing style. “And I was also a fan of Germany,” said Hummels – and added, referring to his removal from the DFB team: “Of course I still am.” An addition that made the co-presenters Jonas Hummels and Luki laugh.

With Deisler, Germany “lost a really good player. That was a very emotional end for me, I was 17, 18.”

Hummels also said goodbye to ex-biathlete Magdalena Neuner was spectacular. “Because she simply stopped being the best in the world. And simply said: No, that’s enough.”