The former Real Madrid and Dortmund stopper has been sentenced to ten months probation for possession and distribution of nude photos of minors: "Accepts punishment, apologizes to victims"
Matzelder leaves court, today
Photo:
Reuters
A German court today (Thursday) sentenced former
brakeman Christoph Matzelder
(40) to ten months probation, following the possession and distribution of pornographic material involving minors.
A year and a half ago, the materials were found in Matzelder's house, and in today's court hearing, he broke his silence for the first time.
"I accept the punishment and I apologize to the victims of sexual violence," he said after the sentencing.
"I will live with this accusation as part of society all my life. I have collected screenshots and exchanged extreme fantasies in chat conversations."
Matzelder's lawyer, Ulrich Sommer, stressed last week that the former player is fully aware of his wrongdoing.
"He knows what he did," Sommer told RTL.
"He also knows it's a mistake and he knows he has to take responsibility."
According to various media outlets in Germany, the courts have promised Matzler a sentence of between 10 and 12 months probation, if he pleads guilty.
Matzelder played in the brake position at Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Schalke.
In addition, Matzleder has 47 appearances for the German national team.
In 2013 he retired from football at the age of 32 after suffering many injuries.