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      Bundesliga U19 star forced to have leg amputated in gruelling battle with cancer as club start fundraiser

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      UNION BERLIN youngster Berkin Arslanogullari has undergone a life-saving leg amputation as he battles bone cancer.The keeper, 19, was diagnosed with the disease a few months ago and began “intensive chemotherapy” to treat the illness.Union Berlin keeper Berkin Arslanogullari has had his leg amputated as he fights bone cancerCredit: Instagram @berkin.arslanogullariHowever, the treatment failed to successfully combat the cancer, forcing doctors to amputate his leg.German top-flight side Union Berlin confirmed on Monday that the procedure had been carried out “a few days ago” as he fights the “toughest battle of his life”.The football club then called on the public to make financial contributions to his family as they look to support Arslanogullari through the horrific ordeal.The statement said: “Due to the care and support required for Berkin, his parents are no longer able to go to work, and the family’s current apartment is not barrier-free or handicapped accessible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A new apartment or extensive renovation work and the upcoming rehabilitation are urgently needed for a new start in a new life and are causing enormous costs.”Berkin and his family now need the support and solidarity of the Union family.”To ease the financial burden a little and give Berkin the best possible chance for a future full of hope, aFundraiserEvery contribution counts and helps to give Berkin a fresh start.”German shot-stopper Arslanogullari has played for Union’s age group sides since he was a young boy.Most read in BundesligaHe has featured for the Bundesliga outfit’s U17 and U19 teams and was included in two matchday squads for last season’s Uefa Youth League.Fans were quick to pass on emotional messages of support on social media as they prayed for a speedy recovery.One said: “Lots of strength and love! ❤️”Another added: “All the best to him and his family, stand together in this difficult time.”A third replied: “Best recovery and lots of strength 🙏🏼.”While a fourth responded: “I hope he wins the fight 🤞. Get well soon and strength to his family 🙏❤️.” More

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      Man Utd and West Ham on transfer red alert with Leon Goretzka ‘unhappy’ after Bayern Munich axe

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      BAYERN MUNICH have put a host of Premier League clubs on red alert by admitting that Leon Goretzka is “unhappy”.The 29-year-old German international midfielder has been brutally axed by new boss Vincent Kompany this term following the arrival of Joao Palhinha from Fulham.Leon Goretzka is unhappy at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyAnd his potential availability has put several clubs including Man Utd on alert over a transferCredit: GettyGoretzka has been at Bayern since 2018 and remains under contract until 2026 but he could be set to push for a move in January.He has played just one minute of competitive football under Kompany and failed to even make the bench for Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Holstein Kiel.Manchester United and West Ham have been long-term admirers of the experienced star.A host of other top-flight clubs would also be keen should Goretzka become available.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the prospect of him departing Bayern appears to be very real as director of sport Max Eberl revealed how miserable the ex-Schalke man is.He said: “We communicated very clearly from the start.“Leon knew that we were relying on Pavlo [Aleksandar Pavlovic], and that we would bring in with Palhinha and that Josh [Kimmich] would play more in the centre again.”He added: “We’ve also said that when Leon is there and ready to face the situation, he’ll be treated completely normally.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Leon’s a great guy. I like him a lot, even though he’s obviously upset at the moment. I understand that too. But that’s part of life in football.”Bayern know that his value will drop significantly once he enters the final 12 months of his contract in June.Manchester United vs SouthamptonThat means that they could look to push him out of the door in January with a potential loan-to-buy agreement.Although his £273,000-a-week wages could be an issue.Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More

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      ‘Harry Kane is GUARANTEED to break his trophy duck this season – it’s just a question of how many he wins’

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      HARRY KANE is surely guaranteed to break his silverware duck this term — the question is, how many trophies will he win at Bayern Munich?That is the verdict of ex-Munich star Owen Hargreaves, who has no doubts whatsoever the England captain can end his career-long barren run.Harry Kane is still looking for his first major trophyCredit: APHe has been banging in the goals for Bayern Munich and tipped to break his duck this termCredit: AFPKane moved to Bayern last summer for an initial £86million after winning nothing at Spurs but ended up empty-handed again due to Xabi Alonso’s invincible Bayer Leverkusen side.TNT Sports pundit Hargreaves told SunSport: “He’s crazy unlucky, especially after his season.“Bayern didn’t have a great season but Leverkusen, you’ve got to take your hat off to them, they played out of this world under Xabi Alonso.“But the great ones, that spurs them on to keep going.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It keeps him hungry. I guarantee he wins a trophy this year. The question is, how many?”Kane is adapting to a new Bayern boss in Vincent Kompany, whose Burnley men were relegated from the Prem last term.Kompany favours a high-pressing style but 31-year-old Kane has still managed five goals in his first four Bayern games this term — including a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory at Holstein Kiel on Saturday.That took his scoring record to a staggering 49 goals in 49 games for the Bavarian giants.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHargreaves, who won four Bundesliga titles and the 2001 Champions League with Bayern, added: “Vinny’s got the best team he’s ever coached by a mile.“Harry Kane leading the line, Manuel Neuer in goal and then all these amazing players spread out in between.Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I’m excited to watch Bayern. I was there for ten years, I understand the mentality of the football club, the expectation to win. Vinny’s a winner.“People forget Vinny played in the Bundesliga at Hamburg, he speaks German.“He understands how big a club Bayern Munich is.“Being born in Belgium, playing in Germany, he’s had an amazing career, he was a brilliant captain.“It’s probably not the appointment everyone expected just because Burnley got relegated. But I hope they give him time.“Bayern used to be a club that gave managers time and they had amazing success.“I hope the club looks at itself a little bit and says, ‘We’re going to give Vincent time’.”Kane scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 thumping of Holstein Kiel at the weekendCredit: GettyVincent Kompany needs to be given time in his new job at the German giantsCredit: Getty HARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will cause chaos togetherCredit: GettyHARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”Marcus Thuram could help Inter Milan spark a shockCredit: AFPHARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”Manchester City are going for a fifth title in a rowCredit: APHARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years.”TNT Sports is the home of the Uefa Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. TNT Sports is available through its streaming destination discovery+ and across all major TV platforms. For more information visit tntsports.co.uk/footballMichael Olise will have no issues stepping up to the pressure at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyOwen Hargreaves had his say on the 2024-25 seasonCredit: GettyNew Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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      Harry Kane shatters Erling Haaland’s Bundesliga record as England star scores hat-trick in 6-1 thumping of minnows

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      HARRY KANE shattered Erling Haaland’s Bundesliga record with his latest Bayern Munich hat-trick to cap the perfect week.Kane, 31, was honoured at Wembley on Tuesday as he made his 100th England cap.Harry Kane scored a hat-trick for Bayern Munich against Holstein KielCredit: GettyHe celebrated a historic landmark in the BundesligaCredit: AFPThe Three Lions skipper marked the occasion with an emphatic double against Finland.And on his return to club action, he continued his hot streak with another treble as Bayern thrashed Holstein Kiel 6-1 away.Jamal Musiala got the party started in northern Germany after just 14 seconds before Kane and an own goal made it 3-0 within 13 minutes.Kane found the bottom corner for his second and Bayern’s fourth just before the break.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter Michael Olise’s sweet strike and a consolation for the hosts, Kane stepped up from the penalty spot in injury time to complete the rout and his hat-trick. Incredibly, that was the Englishman’s fifth treble in the Bundesliga, despite only arriving in Germany just over a year ago from Tottenham.However, it was another record that Kane snatched from superstar goal machine Haaland.His performance at Holstein Kiel saw the Bayern man bring up his 50th goal contribution in the Bundesliga in just 35 appearances in the division.Most read in BundesligaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Borussia Dortmund hitman Haaland did hold the previous record with 43 games but Kane has now obliterated it with his lightning start to life in Germany. Haaland, though, will not be too upset.’Are you seriously talking about that?’ – Jack Grealish told off by England interviewer after being asked about KaneHe maintained his phenomenal start to the season with another two goals as Manchester City came from behind to beat Brentford.Haaland has now scored nine goals in four Premier League appearances this term – including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham.But breaking Haaland’s record was not the end of Kane’s historic afternoon’s work.His early finish ensured he has now scored against all 18 different teams he has faced in Germany’s top flight.In Bundesliga history, only Miroslav Klose has faced more opponents and found the net against them all.The Germany icon did so against a whopping 28 clubs during his illustrious career. The penalty completed the trebleCredit: GettyKane claimed his fifth Bundesliga match ball in 35 gamesCredit: GettyHe broke Erling Haaland’s previous record of 50 goal contributions in 43 gamesCredit: AFPHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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      Meet the boss ‘playing real life Football Manager’ after taking fifth-tier minnows to European football in just 17 years

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      FRANK SCHMIDT is living out the fantasy that every football fan dreams up in their head.The FC Heidenheim manager is essentially playing Football Manager, having taken his home town club from the depths of German football to the top flight.Frank Schmidt has had an incredible spell as manager of FC HeidenheimCredit: GettyThe manager brought the club from the fifth tier of German football to the BundesligaCredit: APHeidenheim are now playing European footballCredit: EPASchmidt, 50, has been the boss of Heidenheim for 17 YEARS, taking over at the club after retiring as club captain in 2007.The German coach, who was born and raised in Heidenheim, spent four years with the side as a player after a journeyman career that saw him float around the divisions.After hanging up his boots in 2007, Schmidt was asked to step in as a two week stopgap interim boss for the club… 17 years later and he’s still the man in charge.That 17-year run as boss makes him the longest serving manager in German professional football history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it’s not just about staying put either, Schmidt has propelled the team through the divisions since his appointment all that time ago.When Schmidt took over at Heidenheim they were in the fifth tier of German football, languishing in the lower divisions with the idea of a rise to the top a pipe dream.But the hometown gaffer turned those dreams into a reality for the tiny town – which has a smaller population than the capacity of the Emirates Stadium.Schmidt’s first season in charge ended with promotion into the fourth tier, with a second promotion into the third tier following the next year.Most read in FootballSchmidt is the longest serving manager in German professional football historyCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHeidenheim then spent five seasons in the third tier before winning the league and gaining promotion into the 2. Bundesliga in 2014.Things slowed down for a bit once the club had earned a spot amongst some of Germany’s biggest clubs and Heidenheim established themselves as a solid second division side.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsBut after nine years in the 2. Bundesliga, Schmidt finally took his side to the big time, once again winning the league to earn the club a spot in the Bundesliga proper back in 2023.As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Schmidt’s tactics and man management saw Heidenheim secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League in their first season in the Bundesliga last term.While they managed wins over both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the league last season too.And things have been looking good in the early stages of this season as well, with Heidenheim currently top of the Bundesliga after winning both their opening clashes and keeping two clean sheets.Schmidt has managed to do it with a team of players who have hardly played Bundesliga football before too.Heidenheim beat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the Bundesliga last seasonCredit: AFPHis side will now get to take on Chelsea as part of their Conference League run this season as well as a trip to face Scottish side Hearts.Longevity appears to be a part of Schmidt’s DNA with the one-club boss not only staying put in his professional life but also his personal life.The 50-year-old has only ever been with his wife and even joked that it’s part of the reason that he has been able to manage Heidenheim for so long in an interview with Bild.He said: “My whole life is about continuity. I’m also still with my first girlfriend. It just fits,.”It’s actually unbelievable. It doesn’t seem that long to me [at Heidenheim], but it’s crazy, especially when you look at the average half-life of coaches in professional football.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably Schmidt had a back-up plan for if things didn’t turn out the way they have too.The now-experienced manager is actually a trained banker. Heidenheim are top of the Bundesliga this termCredit: AP More

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      Former Juventus and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa joins OnlyFans just days after surprise transfer to Sydney FC

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      FANS wonder if Douglas Costa will show what’s he’s got Down Under – after the star joined Sydney FC AND OnlyFans in a shock double move.But the former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger explained he’s not linking up with the adult site for the usual explicit reasons.Sydney FC say Douglas Costa may be the A-League’s best ever signingCredit: GettyPaige VanZant is another top athlete to join the subscription websiteCredit: InstagramMadelene Wright raked in huge sums on OnlyFansCredit: instagram / @madelene_wrightA-Leaguers Sydney have unveiled the former Brazil star, 33, as a marquee signing.But it’s unlikely he’ll be doing any unveiling on OnlyFans.Instead the ex-LA Galaxy man will use the subscription site to promote his status as a “brand ambassador” for elite athletes.A string of other sporting celebrities have opened OnlyFans accounts – for varying reasons.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTennis bad-boy Nick Kyrgios promised “it’s all on the table” when he signed up last year – including “gaming, tattoos, my intimate side”.MMA icon Paige VanZant has amassed more than 1.3million likes for her exclusive content on the often X-rated site.English footballer Madelene Wright told SunSport she raked in more than £500,000 from just her first year on OnlyFans.And Team GB’s Olympic bronze-winning swimmer Jack Laugher also revealed he has been cashing in on the way to splashing wins.Most read in FootballYorkshire swimmer Jack Laugher is also on OnlyFansCredit: Instagram @jacklaugherFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCosta launched his account on August 8 – and so far it’s FREE.At the moment it contains just a handful of photos from his footballing career and a video of him boxing.Football icons’ strange hobbiesBut he promised to “create exclusive content for my fans they will not be able to see on any other social network” – to make a “big difference”.In a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, he added: “I decided to join OnlyFans because I believe in the credibility of the company and its potential for global reach.”Overall, this alliance has everything to be very interesting and successful. “The segment in which OnlyFans seeks to have athletes as brand ambassadors has a great impact on the market.”I am more than happy to be part of it, especially as one of the pioneers in the football segment.”Meanwhile, Sydney are cock-a-hoop to recruit such a famous name, someone who has won the Bundesliga and Serie A three times apiece.Club coach Ufuk Talay claimed it was “exciting to be able to attract” a player of his “calibre”.Talay said. “He is a world-class talent with 24 career trophies.”His experience and knowledge will be a positive influence on the playing group.”Sydney chairman Scott Barlow went even further in his Costa assessment.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe raved: “He is one of the most high-profile footballers to ever play on these shores and the eyes of the football world will be on Sydney FC and the A-League this season.”The club’s two other international signings are both midfielders – uncapped Brazilian Leo Sena, 28, and  26-year-old Anas Ouahim, who played for Morocco Under-23s.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Forgotten Germany World Cup star announces retirement at 32 after a year unemployed

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      A FORMER Germany international has announced his retirement at the age of 32.The left-back is hanging up his boots after 278 Bundesliga appearances and seven senior caps with the German national team. A former Germany international has retired at the age of 32Credit: Getty – ContributorIn fact, he was part of the 2018 World Cup squad and started in the first match of the group stage against Mexico.However, the defender didn’t see any more action in Russia as he was benched for the other two games against Sweden and South Korea and Germany failed to make the knockout stages.A year earlier, however, he was part of the team that won the Confederations Cup and played a whole match in the group stage against Cameroon.However, his career didn’t get rolling after that as he found himself as a free agent for over a year after leaving his final club Hertha Berlin.Read More on FootballThat is none other than Marvin Plattenhardt, who spent nine years at Hertha since his arrival from Nurnberg in 2014.Plattenhardt received offers this past year from various countries around the world, such as Italy, Turkey, the US and even England.However, the full-back preferred to call time on his 13-year career and insists he has no regrets.Plattenhardt told BILD: “Now the point has come where I say: ‘Finished!’ I’m hanging up my boots. Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Between the summer of 2023 and the end of January 2024 there were a few talks with clubs in various countries, but the overall package was not suitable for me in terms of my family. I just didn’t want to do that.”And when you’ve been out for a while, it gets more and more difficult these days. Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”It’s crazy when you see how many names, including top-class players, are still on the list of players without a club. “I didn’t want to continue at all costs. So I’ve now made this decision for myself and I’m absolutely fine with it.“A wonderful and great time. When I look back on my career, I can say that all my childhood dreams have come true.”Marvin Plattenhardt decided to retire as a free agent after his exit from Hertha Berlin a year agoCredit: Getty – PoolPlattenhardt had offers from England before deciding to retireCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Inside six-time Champions League winners’ graffiti-covered former stadium which now hosts fourth tier football

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      BAYERN MUNICH’S much-loved former stadium is now covered in graffiti.More than 50,000 people were once packing the stands in the Grunwalder Stadion before Bayern left in 1972.The Grunwalder Stadion now hosts Bayern’s second team in the fourth tierCredit: AlamyThis is an outside view of Bayern Munich’s old stadiumCredit: AlamyIt was once crowded with 50,000 peopleBut the city council have continued to work on the stadium to keep football being played thereBut Bayern have kept some connection with the Grunwalder as their second team host games in the German fourth tier there.The record attendance was a massive 58,000 people back in 1961-62, but the capacity has since been reduced to 21,200.The ground saw many games of the early golden years of Bayern, including two German title triumphs in 1931-32 and 1968-69.Bayern, led by the great Franz Beckenbauer, left in 1972 and won their first of six European trophies two years later against Atletico Madrid.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was once Munich’s largest stadium before Bayern’s current 75,000 seat Allianz Arena fortress opened in 2005.But now the Grunwalder, which was also used for their city rivals 1860 Munich, looks unrecognisable.After both teams left for the Olympiastadion in 1972, plans were put in place for it to be demolished.But that decision was postponed as the council decided to redevelop the ground instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt underwent a large renovation in the late 1970s, including the construction of two new main stands still used today.Over the years, the state of the stadium had slowly deteriorated and capacity was reduced due to safety measures.The new Champions League format explainedThe ground still does not meet standards to play matches in the German second division.In 2017, 1860 Munich, nicknamed the Lions, decided to move back into the Grunwalder Stadion.A Munich sport’s committee voted for a comprehensive renovation in September 2022, with work set to begin in 2026.The measures will reportedly set the council back £77million.The Allianz now hosts Bayern’s top-flight footballCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee played his reserve team football at the Grunwalder during his time at BayernThe same old stands remain at the GrunwalderCrowds still gather at the iconic stadium, which was built in 1911 More