Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the sole record-holder in the Champions League on Wednesday. Andreas Hinkel (39) still remembers his debut 18 years ago in Stuttgart.
Mr. Hinkel, what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of 1 October 2003?
Phew… There are so many things. I don’t even want to limit myself to one thing. It was just an all-round perfect day with so many impressions.
For the first time, a Champions League match took place in the then Gottlieb Daimler Stadium, VfB had lost 1:2 to Rangers in Glasgow at the start. What kind of atmosphere can you remember?
An indescribable, electrifying atmosphere. It was perhaps even a bit unusual for Stuttgart. People used to talk about the tartan track, which no longer exists since the reconstruction. But in this match, the atmosphere was incredible – despite the tartan track. In this game, even the Swabians came out of their shells, the whole stadium. It wasn’t just our loyal fans in the Cannstatt Curve, even the back straight and main stand. Everyone was rooting for the game.
And the opponents were Manchester United, of all teams.
That was a team… not comparable to the last few years, ManCity and Liverpool have already moved past a bit. But back in the day with all the stars and Sir Alex Ferguson as coach. The club simply shone.
“I knew what was coming. “
HINKEL ON THE DUEL WITH CRISTIANO RONALDO
They started as usual on the right of the back four alongside Fernando Meira, Marcelo Bordon and Philipp Lahm. And at left-back for ManUnited, a certain Cristiano Ronaldo made his Champions League debut.
I seem to remember.
Read the detailed match report on VfB Stuttgart’s 2-1 win over Manchester United here.
The world star was still a rather lanky 18-year-old at the time, who United had just signed from Lisbon. What impression did he make on you?
A good one! And it has to be said that although he looked a bit different, he still cost a lot of money (19 million euros, ed.) and was touted as an upcoming superstar.
Did you prepare specifically for him?
I knew what was coming. Everybody knew him. I was also only 21 and motivated to the hilt because a lot had already been written about Ronaldo. I wanted to prove myself.
“Stuttgart played a lively game against the favourites right from the start,” wrote kicker at the time. Was there no awe against Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Ruud van Nistelrooy and co.?
We weren’t afraid at all. There was a certain unity between fans, the environment and the team at that time, everyone was going in one direction. We were top of the Bundesliga, there was a real euphoria around the “Junge Wilden”. Accordingly, our chest was relatively broad despite the defeat in Glasgow.
After the break, Imre Szabics and Kevin Kuranyi scored within three minutes to make it 2-0, and shortly afterwards Cristiano Ronaldo drew a penalty relatively easily. What else did you notice about his game?
On the wing positions you usually have to deal with special player profiles. So those who still stand for that certain something. With Ronaldo it was the brutal attack, the technique and the drive to score.
And how did you do?
I was a fast player too, but I knew that with Ronaldo I had to be on him immediately when he received the ball. And when he had the ball, I had to use my body well, play with a certain aggressiveness. It was never unfair, even if he was pushed away a bit by me once. I think I already gave him a bit of a run for his money. By the way, at that time I was also in contact with Manchester United.
After winning the duel with CR7?
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to me afterwards, but in the end I extended my contract in Stuttgart. But it was already the case that I drew attention to myself. Probably also because of the game against Ronaldo.
Was it in any way foreseeable that the future CL record player and five-time world footballer was on the pitch?
That he had huge potential, yes. But the rest, of course, cannot be predicted at all. There have been so many players in the past who were thought to have much more potential. That’s why you can take your hat off to Ronaldo’s career and what a complete professional he has always remained. He just fits that status as a superstar very well.
Do you actually know what grade the kicker gave you back then?
I don’t know.
A straight 3.
Really, a 3? (laughs out loud)
Too little?
Very little! At the time, I received such grades from time to time, with which I was not entirely in agreement. I’ll have to talk to the colleague in charge again! (laughs)
In the second leg, CR7 was no longer there. Then perhaps rather 3+.
At least – maybe it can be changed retroactively.
