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The former Werkself skipper was named honorary captain a few minutes before kick-off with CEO Fernando Carro and sporting manager director Simon Rolfes presenting him with the official pennant. At the same time, Bayer 04 fans paid their tribute to Bender with an impressive choreography of red and white flags, and banners across the whole of the North Stand.
"It's really great to be back and experience the atmosphere here a few minutes before kick-off. I was normally in the dressing room at this time," said the 33-year-old in describing his first impressions of his return to Leverkusen.
In response to the question of what he missed most, the 33-year-old provided a quick response: "The people," and he continued: "You can play football anywhere. But the fans, the club staff, the players and the time we spent together – that's what I've missed most. I really enjoy thinking of my time at Leverkusen," said the former Germany international in describing his mood.
The Bavarian joined Bayer 04 from 1860 Munich in 2009. The midfielder made 342 appearances for the Black and Reds in his twelve years under the Bayer Cross and he also made debuts on the European stage in the UEFA Champions and Europa League competitions. The 33-year-old ended his playing career with his brother Sven Bender on 22 May of last year in the away game at Borussia Dortmund (1-3).
The duo received a celebratory and emotional farewell at the BayArena the week before in the final home game of the 2020/21 season against Union Berlin (1-1). The nomination was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and now comes the official inclusion in the group of honorary captains in front of 30,210 spectators at a sold-out BayArena.
Following on from the club legends Ulf Kirsten (2004), Carsten Ramelow (2008), Bernd Schneider (2010), Simon Rolfes (2015), Stefan Kießling and Rüdiger Vollborn (2019), Lars Bender is the seventh player who meets the "appointment criteria" to enter this honoured group. That specifically includes: At least ten years at the club and a minimum of 300 appearances – coupled with an outstanding personality. Bender has now received this honour. "Of course, I'm very proud of my 342 games. I played here for ages and I had a really wonderful time here."
Bayer 04 have signed top player Aleix Garcia from FC Girona. The defensive midfielder has penned a contract with the Werkself to 2029. We put a few questions to him...
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The team under coach Xabi Alonso unwaveringly continued their run in the New Year. They were top at the winter break, beat Bayern Munich and continued to break away from the record champions. Never giving up, scoring an incredible number of crucial goals in added time and going from one win to the next. The second half of this magical 2023/24 season includes a breathtaking number of highlights. The biggest include: Bayer 04 are crowned champions of Germany for the first time and win the DFB Pokal for the second time. The double winners only lost to one team. Part two of our season review.
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The dates for the first round of the 2024/25 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. While most of the ties will be played between 16 and 19 August, Bayer 04 are away to Carl Zeiss Jena in the opening round on Wednesday 28 August with the kick-off at 18.00 CEST. That is due to the Werkself playing in the DFL Supercup on 17 August (kick-off 20.30 CEST). That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) today Thursday.
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There was already huge anticipation for the 2023/24 season before it even began. Many factors suggested a successful campaign: the coach, the shrewd transfers, the noticeably close connection between the team and the fans, the will to achieve great things together. "Us. For our dream." - four words that were an expression of immense confidence. And which were lived by the club, the team and the fans from the very start, with a lot of heart and passion, and as a given. We take a look back at what was a historic season. In Part 1, we focus on the period from July to Christmas, when the Werkself laid the foundations for the title.
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