Some 45,000 people gathered at Hannover's Niersachsen Stadion on Sunday to pay respect to Robert Enke.
Thousands turn out for popular keeper
Some 45,000 people gathered at Hannover's Niersachsen Stadion on Sunday to pay their final respects to Robert Enke.
The shock death of the Germany international goalkeeper has rocked German football, with the popular 32-year-old fondly remembered by all of those who came into contact with him.
A memorial service in his honour was held at the home ground of his domestic employers this weekend, where his life was celebrated and tributes were paid to a man 'who only had friends'.
"Enke will never come into this stadium again, in this place where he stole our hearts as a sportsman, as a lead figure and captain of our team," said Hannover's president Martin Kind.
"Robert, you were the number one in the real meaning of the word.
"That is why 50,000 people want to honour you, in your city, in your stadium.
Gift
"Enke was one of the outstanding personalities of German sport and the only consolation for me is that I had the fortune of working together with him.
"It was a gift that Robert Enke was one of us, but sadly he was taken away far too early."
Germany cancelled their friendly fixture against Chile on Saturday in the wake of Enke's untimely death, but will return to action on Wednesday against Ivory Coast.
Respects will once again be paid before that contest, with many of those set to be involved in attendance at Sunday's service.
One of those unable to be in Hannover was Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose, who was kept under isolation last week after it emerged that his twin sons had contracted swine flu.
He has now been given the all clear by doctors, but national coach Joachim Low has decided to omit him from midweek action.
