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pixathlon / Abaca
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1.7
Roberto Di Matteo wins the handlebar pot with Chelsea in 2012.
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imago sports photo service
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2.7
Di Matteo celebrates together with his captain John Terry (right).
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Keystone
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3.7
The Champions League trophy in hands: Roberto Di Matteo (right).
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imago images / VI Images
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7.7
Bastian Schweinsteiger awards the decisive penalty in the penalty shootout.
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There are soccer stars who still pat themselves on the back decades later and talk about their successes without being asked. And there are guys like Roberto Di Matteo. They react annoyed when asked about past triumphs. In May 2012, the Schaffhauser immortalized himself, winning the Champions League final against Bayern as Chelsea coach. In Munich. Finale dahoam. A game that still brings tears of joy to the eyes of many Bayern haters. Nonetheless, Di Matteo does not want to talk about that. “That was a long time ago,” says the 49-year-old when BLICK appeals to him about his greatest success.
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Almost eight years have passed since Bayern suffered one of their most bitter defeats in club history at home in the Allianz Arena. The German record champions lead 1-0 up to the 88th minute thanks to a goal from Thomas Müller. Then Chelsea striker Didier Drogba stabs his head right into the heart of Munich. And because Arjen Robben misses a penalty in extra time and the Londoners keep their nerve on penalties, the Blues win the Champions League for the first time in their club history.
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“I won it”
Unforgettable, as Di Matteo greets Roman Abramowitsch after the final whistle with the words “I won it”. “I have won.” But Di Matteo hasn’t won much since then. At Chelsea, he is fired six months after his greatest triumph; engagements at Schalke 04 (33 games) and Aston Villa (12 games) end early. Di Matteo has been away from the window for almost four years now. He attends seminars and looks after his family, says the 33-time Italian international.
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He continues to pursue football. But you can’t say who has the edge in the Champions League round of 16 between Chelsea and Bayern, the new edition of the 2012 final. “This is a duel at eye level, there are no favorites, both teams have similar opportunities.” He says and looks slightly annoyed. It is not the first time that he has been asked about this duel.
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