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Former Germany and Manchester City goalkeeper Eike Imel has told the story of his financial ruin after losing over €11.5 million gambling, going from a life of luxury to deep poverty.
Imel's career lasted from 1978 to 1997, during which he excelled with Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart, winning the Bundesliga and representing West Germany in 19 international matches. He was part of the team that won the 1980 European Championship and participated in two World Cups as a reserve goalkeeper.
But the 64-year-old's life is very different today. In August, a German court sentenced him to two years and two months in prison for failing to repay more than 100 bank loans. He has not yet started his sentence and currently lives in social housing in his hometown of Stadtallendorf, where he volunteers as a goalkeeping coach for local youth.
In the German documentary “Armes Deutschland” (Poor Germany), Imel recounted his dramatic decline and opened the door to the small apartment he lives in today. He admitted that he never cleans the house because he has lost all motivation, but hopes to one day return to a better life.
" I used to earn millions, but now I live on only 489 euros a month. The state helps people who are in need, and I have to admit that without this help I would not survive ," said Imel.
" I lost over 10 million euros gambling. I was treated with privileges wherever I went. Restaurants gave me the best tables, car dealers gave me discounts, my salary increased every year. When I moved to Manchester City, I was earning almost a million euros a year.
But the wealth quickly evaporated. I got divorced, the children had to be properly looked after, then I made bad investments in real estate and gave away a lot of money. We never saved for anything ,” he concluded, showing off nostalgically some old photos from the time he was a European football star.
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