HSV mourns the death of Uwe Seeler

HSV legend Uwe Seeler is dead. The former player (1953-1972) and president (1995-1998) of Hamburger SV died at the age of 85 surrounded by his family. Uwe Seeler is survived by his wife Ilka as well as three daughters and seven grandchildren. 

"Uwe Seeler stands for everything that characterises a good person: Down-to-earthness, loyalty, joie de vivre, plus he was always approachable. He is the epitome of HSV. I personally have special memories of our get-together on his last birthday. He talked shop, asked about his HSV, gave me tips and a few sayings. We will never forget him and will always cherish him. Now our thoughts and sympathy go out to Uwe's family, to whom we extend our heartfelt condolences," says HSV board member Jonas Boldt. 

With Uwe Seeler, HSV has lost the greatest sportsman in its club history. Seeler was registered with HSV on 1 April 1946 by his father Erwin with membership number 1725 and went on to become one of the best centre-forwards in the world. In 587 competitive games for the Rothosen, he scored a whopping 507 goals, making him the club's undisputed record goalscorer to this day. With HSV, the long-time captain won nine consecutive Oberliga-Nord championships (1955-1963) as well as one German championship (1960) and one DFB Cup (1963). Seeler also played 72 international matches (43 goals) for the German national team, captained it 40 times and in 1972 became the second player ever to be named honorary captain of the DFB team.

It was not only Seeler's sporting successes and records that were unparalleled, but above all his down-to-earth, fair and loyal manner that earned the Hamburg-born player a reputation as an absolute man of honour and coined the phrase: "I'm no better than anyone else, I'm just a normal person. I just played football." In 2003, Seeler was made an honorary citizen of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.  

Our deepest sympathy goes to the family and all friends of "Us Uwe" Seeler.