Lars Bender and Sven Bender receive a farewell book at the end of their careers.
The organizers of 'Servus Benders' hope for the support of the Löwen fans.
Munich / Leverkusen
- The twins Lars and Sven Bender have legendary status not only at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
With the Lions they were just about to hit the quarter-final cup sensation against FC Bayern Munich in 2008.
In the same year they celebrated the U19 European champions in their national jerseys.
The brothers are to be bid farewell to professional football with the 'Servus Benders' campaign.
For a book to mark the end of a career, the two organizers Lea Esser and Maria Gielsdorf need the support of the Löwen fans: The two girls collect congratulations, thanks, drawings and whatever else can be printed.
Until Sunday, April 18, contributions can be sent in on Instagram, Facebook and via the e-mail 'servusbenders@gmx.de'.
The bonus: signed jerseys and shirts by the Bender brothers will be raffled off among all entries.
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"Once a lion, always a lion" - 'Servus Benders' initiators hope for numerous contributions from the lion fans
Lea Esser and Maria Gielsdorf already have experience with saying goodbye to Leverkusen legends.
In May 2018, after 344 appearances for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Stefan Kießling hung up his football boots: “At that time, we asked fan support whether we could create a farewell book for him.
They thought the idea was great.
There was no question that we would do the same for the Benders this year, ”says Maria Gielsdorf.
There was space for more than 200 articles in Goalgetter Kießling's book.
Lea and Maria want to receive a similar amount of thanks, congratulations and anecdotes for Lars and Sven Bender: “So far we have received about 50 messages.
With Kieß we were able to collect a lot of contributions in the stadium.
Many fans spontaneously took part.
Unfortunately, this does not apply to the Benders.
We have to be content with investments in digital form, ”explains Lea Esser.
Therefore, the two hope for the support of the sixty fans.
Lea Esser is certain: The 1860 fans have not forgotten the greatest talents from the NLZ forge.
“Once a lion, always a lion,” laughs Leah.
And Maria Gielsdorf adds: “The Benders are happy about every participation.
The fans can send in anything that can be printed: texts, photos, drawings and whatever else they can think of. "
The 'Servus Benders' project runs until April 18th
After 15 years as a professional now the end of your career!
Someone who would like to say goodbye is Stefan Kießling.
He supports the “Servus Benders” campaign: “Kieß even offered us his help to ask around a little and get contributions,” says Lea Esser.
In the last days of the ongoing campaign, she and Maria Gielsdorf want to receive as many messages as possible.
There is not much time left - the deadline ends on April 18th.
The two Werkself fans then produce two printed albums that are to be given to the twins at the end of the season.
Whether the initiators will be allowed to do this themselves is still in the stars: “We hope that we can hand over the books to both of them personally.
But if that doesn't work because of the corona, it wouldn't be a problem if someone from the club did it.
The main thing, however, is that the Benders get their albums and get a well-deserved farewell to professional football. "
(Paul Ruser)
