Simon Rolfes on his first memories of Bayer 04:
Rolfes: When I was still at Werder Bremen, we always had bad experiences in games here at the old Ulrich Haberland Stadium (he laughs). But I can remember that the ground and the pitch in Leverkusen were always great. I had an offer from Hamburg SV ahead of my move. But I quickly opted for Leverkusen.
Rüdiger Vollborn on the special connection to Bayer 04 as a former player, former part of the coaching staff and current member of the fan liaison staff:
Vollborn: I had my best day as a player in my time at Bayer 04 on 18 May 1988. There's nothing better than winning the UEFA Cup back then. Today I don't just see myself as a member of the fan liaison team but also as a fan of this club. My experience now with my work is of massive excitement. Last season was really emotional for me. I can see how much this city and the fans yearn for success. I've got a good feeling for this season.
Jürgen Gelsdorf on his move to Leverkusen in 1976 and the unique atmosphere:
Gelsdorf: The outlook was optimal. Bayer 04 had not been in the Bundesliga at that point but I was very impressed with the plans. I can still remember the first games at the BayArena or rather the Ulrich Haberland Stadium back then. I was used to a lot of spectators at Bielefeld and there were less by comparison at the UHS but the atmosphere was special back then. It pleases me even more to see how this atmosphere has developed now into sheer euphoria and grows even more day by day. That was particularly evident at the Bundesliga opener last weekend (3-2 victory over RB Leipzig, ed.), the atmosphere was brilliant!
Anecdotes and family feeling
In addition to the insights from Rolfes, Vollborn and Gelsdorf, the Black and Red fans at the event had the opportunity to share their memories and also talk about lots of funny experiences with like-minded supporters. The final question from host and stadium announcer Tobias Ufer on what Bayer 04 means to them, all the members of the audience and the Bayer 04 trio of legends answered straightaway as one: "Family!"
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