Karlheinz Riedle (49) returns to Borussia Dortmund – not as a player but as an ambassador for the Black and Yellows on the international stage. “Karl-Heinz Riedle is a BVB icon. He’s a World Cup, multiple Bundesliga and Champions League winner,” said BVB chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke. In the 1997 Champions League final, Riedle scored BVB’s first two goals in the 3-1 win over Juventus. He will now take on an ambassadorial role for Borussia.

“It’s a great honour to represent Borussia Dortmund as an international ambassador. I enjoyed the most successful and most emotional time of my club career at BVB, won two Bundesliga titles and the Champions League,” said Riedle, adding, “Because I’m part of this extraordinary club which now has more than 10 million fans I know that BVB is unique in many ways – authentic, real, intense and extremely ambitious. As a former professional player who’s been around a bit including stints in Italy and England, I’m proud to represent Borussia Dortmund.”

Riedle (nick named “Air Riedle“ in honour of his astounding aerial ability) joined Borussia Dortmund in 1993 as the most expensive transfer in German football at that time. He played four years at BVB before he moved to Liverpool in 1997. “He’s an authentic, likeable guy with a great black and yellow heart and a high international standing. We are delighted to have him in our team as an ambassador,” said Watzke.