A tearful farewell to tragic German goalie

Tens of thousands of football fans have joined friends, family and team-mates of the late German goalkeeper Robert Enke, who took his own life last week.

Mourners packed out the stadium of Enke’s last club, Hanover 96.

The 32-year German international had been suffering from depression since 2003. Several injuries and unsuccessful spells at various clubs exacerbated his illness, which took another turn for the worse in 2006 when his two-year old daughter Lara died of a heart problem.

He and his wife adopted a baby girl earlier this year but Enke’s depression continued. He ended his life by throwing himself in front of a train on Tuesday.

Outside the stadium thousands more well-wishers laid candles and flowers as a tribute to a player respected for his friendly attitude to fellow players, fans and the press.

For some fans, the saddest part of the day was when the stadium’s screens displayed the message ‘Now you can hold your daughter in your arms.’

Enke will be buried at a cemetary near Hanover, next to his daughter’s grave.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Ceremony, Germany