Robert Enke (32) the Hannover and Germany goalkeeper who was expected to be part of his country’s 2010 World Cup squad, was killed after being hit by a train close to a level crossing near his home.
According to the Guardian, Jörg Neblung, a close friend and adviser of Enke, later said that the 32-year-old goalkeeper had killed himself. “I can confirm that it was suicide,” he said. “Robert took his own life shortly before six o’clock. A press conference in Hanover on Wednesday will reveal more details.”
Never Recovered from Daughter’s Death
Enke’s daughter Lara died in 2006 of a rare heart condition when she was two and he leaves a wife, Teresa, and an eight-month-old daughter they had adopted. Friends say that he never seemed to recover from his daughter’s death.
Enke’s car was found near the scene, unlocked, with his wallet on the seat. The two train drivers reported seeing a man on the tracks and applied the brakes while travelling at about 100mph but could not stop in time, police reported.
Fans Keep Vigil at Hanover Stadium
Fans flocked last night to Hannover’s stadium and were laying flowers and lighting candles at the gates in memory of their captain, who had been with the club since 2004.
“We are all shocked. We can’t find the words,” national team manager Oliver Bierhoff said from Bonn, where the national team assembled.
Enke played eight matches for Germany. After Jens Lehmann retired following the European Championship in 2008, Enke was promoted to No. 1 for Germany, but was set back by a broken hand.
Enke also Played for Barcelona
Robert Enke debuted for the national team in a 1-0 loss to Denmark in 2007. His last international game was a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan on Aug. 12.
He made 196 Bundesliga appearances and also played for Borussia Moenchengladbach after starting his career in East Germany at Jena. He also played for foreign clubs, among them CD Teneriffa, Fenerbahce, Barcelona and Benfica.
Robert Enke – Peta
Robert Enke also loved animals and was known in Germany for his campaign with Peta (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) Peta have posted an In Memoriam on their website – Robert Enke – The world had lost a great friend of Animals.
Images: Robert Enke – Peta
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