Trautmann dies at 89

19 July 2013 14:17

Former Germany international goalkeeper Bernd Trautmann has died at the age of 89, the German Football Association has announced.

Trautmann, known more commonly as Bert, made a name for himself in England with Manchester City after originally arriving as a prisoner of war.

He played more than 500 times for the Citizens between 1949 and 1964 while he was bestowed with an honorary OBE for his work in promoting Anglo-German post-war relations.

Trautmann was an FA Cup winner with City in 1956, playing the final 17 minutes of that game with a broken neck.

After his playing days, he moved into management with Stockport before returning to his native Germany in 1967 to coach Preussen Munster.

He passed away at his home in Spain on Friday morning.

German FA (DFB) president Wolfgang Niersbach said: "Bert Trautmann was an amazing sportsman and a true gentleman.

"He went to England as a soldier, and thus a war enemy, and he became a celebrated hero there. He was a legend.

"His extraordinary career will remain forever in the history books."

Trautmann survived two heart attacks this year, but passed away unexpectedly in La Llosa, near Valencia.

Source: PA