Höness: Rummenigge s transfer saves Bayern We sometimes have fierce arguments but no friendship hurts

Bayern senior Hoeness reviewed his and Rummenigge's past in an exclusive interview and spoke frankly about shared success, fierce debate, and a friendship that withstood the test.

Rumenig is about to celebrate his 70th birthday. What is the first thing you think of when you think of him?

I and him have experienced almost everything they can go through. He came to Bayern as a young player in 1974, when we were just the world champion. We were happy to accept him at that time. He is an incredible dribble but was a little nervous at first, so the goal was not immediately successful. But he eventually grew into an absolute world-class player at Bayern and the national team.

Did his transfer to Italy that year really save Bayern?

Yes, absolutely. When I became a manager, Bayern had about seven million marks of debt. Through his transfer (joining Inter), it was worth about 11 million marks (about 5.5 million euros), and we achieved debt-free light. With the remaining four million, I signed Mattus (two million) and Wolfart (one million). The remaining one million became the founding capital of Bayern Munich’s fixed deposit account. For this, we must always thank Rummenigg, whose transfer helped Bayern recover financial health.

When did he clearly know that he would embark on the difficult path of club executives after he retired?

At that time, Scherer and Hegrich were in the presidium, but unfortunately they both died. None of them came from football – one was an entrepreneur and the other was a university professor. At that time we had the idea of ​​introducing more football expertise into the decision-making body. Some people speculate that when Beckenbauer as chairman and Rummenigge as vice chairman suddenly enters the club, I may not like it at all. But the truth is exactly the opposite. Because at that time, I was responsible for every transfer alone and often couldn't sleep all night. With these two experts, the burden is shared on more shoulders, and life has become much easier.

You once said when you stepped down as Chairman of the Supervisory Board that you and Ruménig are not always the same. What are these debates?

Well, we sometimes have fierce arguments in meetings and discussions, and the scene is quite hot. But—this is the decisive difference from today’s day: people today quickly feel offended and then disconnect from each other for weeks. This has never happened between us. We often face tit for tit for specific matters, but this never changes the friendship between us individually.

On the occasion of Rummenig's 70th birthday, what wishes do you have to give to him?

He is in good health, and I wish him to stay healthy for a long time. Most importantly, this is what I said selfishly for Bayern: When he returns to the Supervisory Board, it is a very, very good thing for the club. I hope he can be my colleague for a long time.