Remembering Miroslav Klose's Great Act Of Fair Play

Miroslav Klose announced his retirement from football today and what a career he has had.

The 38-year old remains Germany's all-time top scorer with 71 goals as well as the top scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, one ahead of Brazil's Ronaldo.

But though he is remembered for that, one of Klose's finest achievements and moments was when he displayed a great sportsmanship side in 2012 in a game against Napoli.

In the early minutes of a game, Klose handled the ball into the net. We're still not sure whether it's intentional or unintentional, he's probably the only who knows the true answer. But instead of carrying on as normal and cheating like so many have done in the past (looking at you Thierry Henry and Diego Maradona), he was honest with the referee and admitted that he handled the ball. Napoli players were extremely appreciative of this act of fair play from the German, as was the match official, who refrained from giving him a yellow card and shook his hand.

Watch the clip here:

Being honest though, if this happened to us in an intense Sunday League fixture, there's no way we're telling the ref, is there?

But fair play to Klose for his honesty - something that is a rarity in the modern game.

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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