“Hi Harry, do you still remember the trip to Perth?
It’s been three years now, but I haven’t forgotten that trip. We were on our way to the pre-season tour with Tottenham, and on the flight over, you told me for the first time: FC Bayern wanted to sign you, and you wanted to move to Bayern as well. We both said that it was probably going to happen – but at the time, we couldn’t have imagined just how perfectly it would actually work out.
And do you remember? nine years earlier? Upton Park on a Saturday afternoon, Premier League matchday. West Ham against Tottenham. I had only just moved from Sporting to Spurs. You came on as a substitute and saw me simply run from the back all the way to the front. Your through ball, me scoring in the 1–0 winner in the third minute of stoppage time. My debut – wow! And that’s how it all started for us. Although, if we’re honest, not that much happened between us at first, did it? We were teammates back then, and we got along. Nothing more than that, really. But we only became friends later, didn’t we? Maybe that was also because we were just 20 and 21 years old, focused on the careers we had only just begun.
Do you remember how people described you as a ‘one-season wonder’ for five years? After 21 goals in the league? The following year you scored 25. Then 29. Then 30. That never bothered you. You just wanted to show everyone what you were capable of, year after year. You never stopped working. You simply got better and better
And even today, after all the Golden Boots, the Golden Shoe and whatever else, you’re still the same person – and that’s something I really admire about you. You and your family are role models for other people, people who have simply remained down-to-earth and humble. You show that hard work can make anything possibe
The move to Bayern did you so much good. But not only because you finally won the titles that eluded you at Tottenham. You simply needed that challenge, didn’t you? That step up to the next level. What an incredible level you have reached
How cool was it that we were able to celebrate together that night when we were officially crowned champions… We had to wait much longer for it than we would have liked, but I think we both agree that we learned some valuable lessons along the way. And damn, how good those cigars tasted by the fire in Ibiza! You deserve all the success you’ve had, and hopefully you’ll win the Ballon d’Or. I’m not saying that just because I’m your friend. The stats and facts speak for themselves – just like all the things that can’t be seen in an Excel table.
Your reliability and your willingness to put yourself at the service of the team are unparalleled.
Greetings from Monaco”
