Editorial

A Farewell To Robert Enke

Goal.com remembers the life of the Hannover goalkeeper, who tragically took his own life on Tuesday evening...

Nov 11, 2009 10:54:25 AM

Hannover 96 fans paying tribute on Robert Enke (Bongarts/Getty-Images)

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Hannover 96 fans paying tribute on Robert Enke (Bongarts/Getty-Images)

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Robert Enke

Long before football was the huge media circus it is now, goalkeepers were already considered a species of their own. There have been flamboyant shot stoppers such as Rene Higuita, Jose Luis Chilavert and Jorge Campos. Other controversial figures such as Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehman have risen to prominence between the sticks - they did everything to secure a starting berth.

Robert Enke was nothing like the aforementioned custodians. The 32-year-old did not give spectacular interviews. He stayed away from clichés and always gave intelligent answers to the questions posed. He did not stand in the spotlight of a big European club - he plied his trade at humble Hannover, who initially fought against relegation but later played for a mid-table position. He never used football, his biggest passion, as a platform to advertise himself. The Hannover goalie let others use that kind of trick. Nevertheless, Enke shone between the sticks and he was well on his way to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“Go on to play football, the show must go on,” said his wife, Teresa, when their late daughter Lara lay in intensive care. Retrospectively, this sentence was valid for too little time.

Shortly after 18:00 on a dark Tuesday evening in November, Enke could no longer go on. The goalkeeper decided to take his own life at a level crossing near the grave of his daughter. One can only suggest his motives, but it makes no sense to speculate - the numerous comments from our users, who were speechless and dismayed, speak for themselves.

What remains are memories of a sensitive person, a real sportsman, someone who was always willing to help his colleagues - even when his personal life was difficult.

Hannover’s glovesman never really was a media-man. All that mattered to him were his performances on the pitch, and that’s what has made him a role model for the next generation.

However, there was more to Enke than just outstanding professional behaviour. He was also very committed to social projects and supported the animal rights group PETA.

Robert Enke never let money, fame and victories blind him. He had to endure too many disturbing events in his short life to let things like that affect him. He always remained authentic and sincere, someone you want to be successful. He was one of the positive exceptions walking around in the Bundesliga. Football needs controversial people, but football needs people like Robert Enke even more.

Players such as Enke ensure fans, officials and the media talk about more than astronomical transfer fees and exorbitant salaries. They ensure footballers realise they have a function as role-models. Additionally, they ensure that football will always remain the most beautiful sport there is. That is what we must not forget. We can learn from our memories of a superb goalkeeper and a sympathetic human being.

-- Goal.com

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