Trophy Tour in Brazil – trophies arrive in São Paulo

The first stop was at the Bayer AG headquarters in the south of São Paulo. Some 200 guests were present including a large number of Bayer employees. The event was also streamed live to other Bayer locations in Latin America. Simon Rolfes talked about the long-standing connection between Bayer 04 and the country through Brazilian players who have appeared for the Werkself, and he also once again reviewed the historic double winning season.

Rolfes: "Brazilian players and Fans important part of our success"

"We know we already have a lot of fans in Brazil for decades through our history with lots of Brazilian players. We also have a strong connection to the Bayer Group here," said Rolfes before adding: "Therefore, it's important for us to be here on the spot to share last year's fantastic season with you. Bringing the trophies here goes without saying for us because Brazilian players and fans were always, and are now too, an important part of our success." Afterwards Rolfes fielded a host of questions in a relaxed session with the audience. Of course, selfies with the three trophies were in great demand.

Sánchez: "proud to be part of it"

Arturo Sánchez, president of Bayer Consumer Health Latin America and Asia/Pacific, was also delighted: "I'm happy to be able to welcome Bayer 04 here. I believe there are a lot of parallels between the Bayer company structure and a football team. In our company we have to produce results and always think about the strategies needed so we can win in the market. And in football it's about being successful and dealing with the challenge of meeting the constant pressure. Bayer 04 were outstanding in that respect last season. We are proud to be part of it." Rolfes, Paulo Sergio, Bayer 04 legend and 1994 World Cup winner, plus Kim Falkenberg, head of recruitment at Bayer 04, rounded off the afternoon with an official presentation of a jersey to Sánchez.

Champions Night at Bayer

Later in the evening, there was a Champions Night organised by Bayer Brazil for partners and invited members of the media. Here too, the trophies were the most popular subject to photo. Sergio provided an emotional summary of the day: "Being a Bayer 04 ambassador and bringing the club closer to Bayer Brazil and the people here in my home country means very much to me. I've worked towards achieving that."

Rolfes, Sergio and Co. have a meeting with the German-Brazilian Chamber of Foreign Trade on Wednesday. Bayer 04 are also set to conclude a partnership with the Plastiks company and visit a green mining recycling station.