The strange story of Weigl, who risked his career… because of a meddlesome taxi driver!

In recent years, the name of Julian Weigl, who moved from Borussia Dortmund to Benfica for 20 million euros last year, is creating a lot of interest. Not only because we are talking about a footballer of the German national team. And not even because the former giallonero is often a market target for many teams, with some Italians who have given us a little thought over the years, not least Juventus, which monitors him for his median. No, Weigl is special for a number of reasons beyond the scope. The first is a Benfica fan, who had to keep a strange promise, that of running naked for a kilometer in case the club bought the German. And then there is the personal story of him.

YOUNG TALENT – The one that tells AS, it is made up of a rapid rise and a time when everything collapsed just as quickly. Weigl is Bavarian and was born in the Rosenheim youth academy before moving to Munich. For him, no Bayern, fame comes with the 1860 Munich shirt. The little boy knows how to do it and at just 19 years old, in August 2014, he becomes captain, the youngest in the history of the club. But a few days are enough to put everything at risk. In the same month, Weigl and other teammates take an unforgettable car ride. And that the Benfica midfielder can be very expensive.

TAXI DRIVER – Weigl, along with Eicher, Adlung and Stark, take a taxi at 3am after a night of partying. The group talks a little too much, openly criticizing the 1860 Munich. It is a pity that the driver is a fan of the Lions and that the following morning he calls the club to tell everything in detail. Result, Weigl loses the wing and is first sent to the reserve team and then sent away. He could end up here, with a promising career ruined by a few words too many. Fortunately for him, however, Borussia Dortmund buys him, who believes in his talents. And the rest is history. But Weigl learned his lesson: “When they suspended me I was devastated. But from that point on I began to understand better how football works. At the time I was naive, despite being the captain. I thought it was easier than it is. in reality”. In short, better keep your mouth shut.