“I cried like a castle dog”

I finished everything tactfully, but I was back in action after just four days.

Are you a new person since surgery?

It was the best decision of my life. I feel better than ever and I still enjoy eating, but only a little.

What does your wife Sylvia mean to you?

Everything. We are on the verge of our silver wedding anniversary. She wasn’t just a beautiful woman by my side – even if she had been a model. He is my haven of calm, my management, my support, my love. We adopted our daughter together – and it was probably the most beautiful gift of my life. Even though it didn’t work out for him with his own kids, I’m happy with it today. Because if not, we might never meet our Nicha.

Sylvia, how does it feel for you – especially after retiring from football?

Silvia Relax: It was a very intense time. Everyone thought he had time now – and wanted something. I’m trying to add structure. Contracts, appointments, questions – and rejections – Calli couldn’t do it at all. And honestly: I grew up in it. Today I am no longer his assistant. We are a team, we work as equals, and Calli knows what she can offer. It is important for us to be able to rely on ourselves one hundred percent.

Mr. Calmund, you say to yourself that you are the boss. But what did your wife say?

I always say: I’m the boss – and I do what my wife says. (laugh) This has been proven.

You were born in 1948 and grew up in a time of change. What role does it play in your worldview?

I grew up in a mining community – with an outhouse across the yard and one shower a week in the laundry room. Our neighbors were guest workers – first from Bavaria, then Spaniards, Italians and Turks came. That’s very normal. We play, eat, live together. Without these people we would not have achieved the economic miracle. That was formative for me – I grew up being open.

Currently the mood in Germany is often hostile and there is a lot of distrust towards immigration. How does it affect you?