Philipp Lahm wallows in memories of Merkel
Angela Merkel was Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, today she turns 70. There are certainly no shortage of well-wishers. The former captain of the 2014 World Cup winning football team also remembers their encounters with the ex-Chancellor fondly.
On Angela Merkel's 70th birthday, former German football player Philipp Lahm shared a personal anecdote. During his time in the national team, he often met Merkel, he told "stern". "She would occasionally join us in the cabin during major tournaments. I can still remember the command that echoed through our cabin when she was approaching: Boys, get your suits on, the Chancellor is coming!"
Lahm recalled the first time he met Merkel in 2006, just before the World Cup in Germany. "Frau Merkel invited our team for dinner at the Chancellery. Only a few players accepted the invitation, we were probably a group of eight sitting on the terrace of the Chancellery."
This turned out to be a lucky coincidence. "It led to a conversation in a small circle, where we could also ask about personal matters. For example: How does the Chancellor handle her prominence? A topic that also interested us footballers. Or: What does it mean for her life to be protected by bodyguards 24/7? Frau Merkel answered that openly, and it impressed me how much trust she showed us right from the start."
Merkel was Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021 and Chairwoman of the CDU from 2000 to 2018. Today, she celebrates her 70th birthday. Many representatives from politics, business, and show business have already congratulated the former Chancellor.
Philipp Lahm, the former captain of Germany's 2014 World Cup winning team, shared his memories of meeting Angela Merkel during her tenure as Chancellor. In 2006, Lahm had dinner with her at the Chancellery, which led to a candid conversation about her role in politics and the challenges of her high-profile position.
Reflecting on his encounters with Merkel, Lahm mentioned that she once joined the football team in their cabin during a major tournament. Upon her arrival, he recalled, the team would quickly put on their suits in respectful anticipation of the ex-Chancellor's visit.
