'AHEAD OF HIS TIME'
Gary Lineker leads tributes to Franz Beckenbauer as ‘one of the absolute greats of our game’ dies aged 78
German is called 'the most complete player ever' who 'won it all with grace and charm'
GARY LINEKER has led tributes to "absolute great" Franz Beckenbauer after the German legend died aged 78.
The ex-England striker saluted "the most beautiful of footballers".
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Former Bayern Munich defender Beckenbauer was one of only three men to win the World Cup as a player (1974) and manager (1990) - both times with West Germany.
BBC presenter Lineker posted: "Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP."
Ex-Three Lions' goalkeeper Peter Shilton wrote: "Very sad to hear that the great @beckenbauer has sadly passed away, he was a fantastic player reaching world class status."
And Sun columnist Piers Morgan hailed Der Kaiser as a "sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game".
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Liverpool great Sir Kenny Dalglish gave a personal slant on the tragedy.
The former Anfield player and manager said: It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game.
"It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser."
Xabi Alonso - a former midfielder hero for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern and Spain - also referred to the timeless standing of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Beckenbauer.
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The Bayer Leverkusen manager said: "Rest in peace, Emperor!"
Munich-born Beckenbauer was famous for his comfort in possession and majestic way of bringing the ball forward.
That left ex-Chelsea and Scotland striker David Speedie describing the three-time European Cup winner as "ahead of his time".
Speedie wrote: "Sad to hear one of the games all time greats Franz Beckenbauer has passed away.
"Der Kaiser was ahead of his time, he changed the way the we played football. He leaves behind a legacy many of can only dream about having as a footballer. 'RIP Franz Beckenbauer."
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Fans online agreed - as praise for his imperious style pouring in.
One wrote: "The most complete player that ever walked this earth probably.
"Franz Beckenbauer could defend like Maldini and dribble like Maradona while having the passing skills of Pirlo and the scoring ability of Beckham when he wanted to. No wonder he’s the only defender with 2 Ballon D’Or."
Another stated: "Di Stefano said he‘s a walking spectacle, Pele called him a master, Beckham said he was the greatest ever, R9 said he was technically the best and Henry called him a God."
Ex-Newcastle and Manchester City keeper Shay Given posted: "RIP Franz Beckenbauer. A true legend of the game."
Former Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Norway frontman Jan Age Fjortoft called the icon "one of the greatest players of all time".
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He added: "I had the privilege to have him as a colleague at Sky Germany. He was always open and kind. And shared his wisdom and knowledge. Rest in Peace, Kaiser."
And comedian David Baddiel wrote: "The great Franz Beckenbauer gone now, so soon after Bobby Charlton. Bobby was given the job of keeping him quiet in the 1966 World Cup final. Maybe this is a very profound example of man to man marking. RIP."
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