Welcome to retirement!
ZDF actually pulls the plug on Béla Réthy and sends the TV legend into reporter pension.
First contact from Eintracht-Star Here Kolo Muani shoots France into the final
Ahead of Morocco’s semi-final against France, the last of almost 400 live games, the birthday boy (turned 66 on Wednesday) wishes “five to six goals and that the game is over after 90 minutes so that we can have a decent cup of mint tea”. At least the latter works!
You hear better with the second – at least when Réthy was at the mic.
When he talks about the Hernández brothers, co-commentary Sandro Wagner asks him: “Do you also have someone who can replace you?” Béla’s dry answer: “No, I’m an only child.” Too bad.
Wagner later says to him: “You’re world champion too, aren’t you?” Réthy cool; “Not yet…”
Béla Réthy (left) with co-commentator Sandro Wagner (right) comment on the World Cup semi-final between France and Morocco
He also juggles the words when saying goodbye like Messi with the ball. Réthy speaks six languages (German, English, French, Portuguese, Hungarian, Spanish) – and those of football!
Example: When El Yamiq overhead kicks just before the break, he exclaims in amazement: “A central defender! A centre-back!”
Or just before the end when the Moroccans have a chance: “The French have already switched off, they’re already thinking about Messi.”
And even if he makes a slip, no one takes it amiss: “There’s the new man. He’s not new, just a new substitute.”
After the final whistle (Réthy: “It’s over, c’est fini.”) Wagner takes the floor again: “You’ve experienced everything, you’ve always stayed true to yourself and you don’t take yourself too seriously. We younger people can learn a lot from you and your generation. Thanks, role model! Thank you, legend, dear Béla.”
Reporter legend Béla Réthy at his very last appearance: now he is retiring
Finally, the most beautiful football voice in the republic turns to the millions of TV viewers.
Réthy: “After 40 years in journalism, including ten world championships, eight of them as a reporter, there is a shift in the shaft tonight. We had many, many spectators at the tournaments, including those who only watched on such occasions. I tried to support everyone and somehow take everyone with me. I’m glad if you liked it. And sorry to those I couldn’t reach. That’s not always easy either. In any case, dear viewers, it was a great, great honor for me. Bye and bye!”
Funny: Instead of showing the TV legend as a commentator with his last words, you see the beaten Moroccans sneaking across the square.
Later, ZDF presenter Jochen Breyer switched from the studio to Réthy in Qatar again, showing a “Best of Béla” film from 40 years.
Réthy: “Great! I’m lost for words. I also have a movie running – in slow motion.”
A journey through Réthy’s career at ZDF
An emotional farewell. The otherwise cool Réthy fights back tears.
And then it’s fun!
ZDF expert Christoph Kramer also has a few warm words left: “If I were a woman, I would want a child from him. As a man, I have to say: I do love Béla Réthy a little bit. 1000 thanks for lots of goosebumps.”
More is not possible? Yet! Per Mertesacker agrees: “There is only one Béla Réthy!” The whole studio sings, to a standing ovation.
Then a mint tea!
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