A matter close to his heart: former Hannover 96 professional Gerald Asamoah honoured with the Federal Cross of Merit

Gerald Asamoah was born in Ghana, came to Hanover as a child and became a great footballer in Germany: In Africa, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has now honoured him for his projects close to his heart.

Accra. Gerald Asamoah stood next to Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Accra, smiling genuinely. In the capital of Ghana, the German President had just awarded the 47-year-old former professional footballer, who began his career at Hannover 96, the Federal Cross of Merit. Asamoah, who played 43 international matches for Germany, was born in Ghana and came to Hanover at the age of twelve. He is a ‘bridge builder between Ghana and Germany,’ said Steinmeier. Asamoah is currently accompanying him as a special guest on a trip to Africa.

Asamoah received the Federal Cross of Merit for his contribution to German-Ghanaian friendship and for founding the Gerald Asamoah Foundation for Children with Heart Disease in 2007. The foundation's work focuses particularly on Ghana, where it regularly sends German medical staff. The doctors, nurses and carers have already performed numerous operations, saving children's lives.

His heart defect was discovered at Hannover 96

After moving from Werder Hannover to 96 in 1994, Asamoah played for Hannover's professional team from 1996 to 1999. Schalke 04, FC St. Pauli and Greuther Fürth were further stops in his playing career.

Special guest on trip to Africa
A matter close to his heart: former 96 professional Gerald Asamoah honoured with the Federal Cross of Merit. On a trip to Africa: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) awards Gerald Asamoah the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany at the ambassador's residence.

Asamoah's decision to set up a foundation for children with heart disease was also motivated by personal reasons. In 1998, during his time at 96, the continuation of his career was in doubt. After suffering from cardiovascular problems, he was diagnosed with a congenital, chronically thickened heart septum. Specialists in the USA helped him, prescribed medication – and Asamoah continued to play at his own risk. A defibrillator had to be kept at the side of the pitch, which is mandatory today. One of the later highlights of Asamoah's career came in 2002 when he became vice world champion with Germany.

Asamoah sees the award as further motivation
Steinmeier also pointed out that Asamoah is an ambassador for the School without Racism project. That's something you can now carry with you day and night, he said jokingly to Asamoah after the award ceremony, who then took a deep breath and said: I still can't believe I'm receiving something like this. But it's just pure joy. He was so excited that he dropped the certificate from his hand. The award is an incentive to continue. ‘When God blesses someone, you have to try to give something back.’

Francis Tawiah (Diúisburg, Germany)

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