Dear FC fans, the birthday of my club for me is something very special. 60 years 1st FC Cologne: I am very pleased and proud to witness many of these years to be allowed. Although we currently devote all our strength and full attention to the rise, it is a big day for us all. Although we do not celebrate the day of large outwardly, but for all FCER it is deep in their hearts a day that all of us once again shows clearly what a great history, tradition, but also an obligation of the 1st FC Cologne has.
I have, "thanks to my" FC too, and am always remained faithful to him so well, first as a player in 409 games from 1963 to 1977, then as a member of the Board since 2004 and finally as president.
The history of the 1st FC Cologne is a long and glorious. But one person I would like again to highlight: our first president Franz Kremer. We all have to FC it so much to thank. The "Boss" It was brought in 1948 as the first president of the FC on the road. He then asked the legendary question: "Do you want me to be German champions?" That was the beginning of an unparalleled success story in German football. Kremer was a visionary and ahead of its time. He is due to that the club can now look back on such a long and successful tradition.
Only 14 years after its founding, the FC was the first time champion. That was in 1962. And two years later we were in my first season as a player, even in the newly established Champions League. The FC was once a pioneer in German football. Even today, I am often asked about these great times. The FC has been a worldwide concept, we have been successful internationally and placed many players in the 60s, 70s, 80s and even the 90-ies for the national team early.
This tradition is, I feel even today, when I walk into the stadium. The tradition of FC is lived and experienced emotion. And I think in any other city, and only with our fantastic fans is as possible as here in Cologne. Also this makes the FC unique. Certainly, our audience figures reflect what the FC mean for the people here in Cologne. The support of the fans in Cologne and Germany is unique and first class. I am very grateful that I am also proud of! We want to give the ordinary people something. And just because we want to go back first in the league. I think we have a good team that has everything to do it. I have full confidence in our players and our coach Christoph Daum. We all want a successful anniversary year - hopefully, crowned with the rise in May. It is my greatest wish for the FC, the fans and for Cologne.
Your Wolfgang Overath
