Millions of people had their eyes on Mario Gotze in Dortmund tonight, probably just a few more than those who caught him playing for the Germany under-16s against Ireland in Listowel a few years back.
He competed in a momentous Champions League semi-final tonight and yesterday it was revealed that he will soon become one of the most expensive players in the world, but we’re sure if you asked Mario Gotze about his most memorable career experiences, then playing for Germany against Ireland in Kerry will rank up there with the best of them.
Gotze’s appearance in that game was mentioned by George Hamilton during commentary on the Dortmund v Real Madrid clash tonight after Twitter user Aiden O’Connor got in touch with the legendary commentator with a brilliant snap of the game from 2008.
Pic via Twitter/Aiden O’Connor
As far as we’re aware, Ireland managed a 1-1 draw on the day with Sean Skelly scoring the Irish goal after Christopher-Massamba Mandiangu opened the scoring for Germany after only two minutes.
Sources close to Gotze claim that it was the tough experience of playing against the Boys in Green that hardened him and made him into the player he is today… honest.
