1.10.2020Werkself-TV

Falko Götz: ‘Very happy the move proved to be a success’

As a very promising talent with the GDR record champions BFC Dynamo, Falko Götz dreamt of trying his luck in West Germany early on. Ahead of a European Cup tie in Belgrade, the then 21-year-old together with his teammate Dirk Schlegel slipped away from the rest of the team on 3 November 1983 – and that was followed by an equally adventurous as dangerous flight from Yugoslavia to Germany plus the desired big career in football.

In the fourth part of our series ‘30 years of reunification’, Falko Götz explains in an interview (in German) with Bayer 04 TV his flight, his years in the West at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and his pioneer role for other football players from East Germany…

Here you can access the other parts of the series:
Part 1: 30 years of reunification – A lucky break for Bayer 04
Part 2: ‘Scholle’s’ game for the history books
Part 3: Reiner Calmund: “I had tears in my eyes”

Related News

Bayer 04 - 25.06.2026

Pro contract until 2031: U19 international Montrell Culbreath signs new deal with Bayer 04

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended youngster Montrell Culbreath's contract once again. Having only signed a deal with the Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030 in January, still as an U19 player, the attacking midfielder, who's since established himself in the first-team squad, has penned a new contract valid until 30 June 2031. Culbreath joined the Werkself academy in 2023 and made 16 first-team appearances in the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League, scoring one goal.

Bayer 04 - 25.06.2026

Purchase option activated: Hincapie completes permanent move to Arsenal

Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.

DFB-Pokal - 24.06.2026

DFB Pokal: Away tie at Wehen Wiesbaden on a Saturday afternoon

The date and kick-off time for Bayer 04’s match in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. The Werkself face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday afternoon, 22 August, at 13:00 CEST. The German Football Association (DFB) announced this today, Wednesday. The Pokal tie against the Hessen state cup winners will be played at the BRITA Arena. Ticket information to follow at a later date.

Bayer 04 - 24.06.2026

Fernando Carro to Lead Bayer 04 Delegation to Brazil During FIFA World Cup

Bayer 04 Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro will lead a club delegation to Brazil from July 2-6 for a program of partner engagement, community activities and football development initiatives across São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Women - 24.06.2026

Bayer 04 extend contract with striker Amy Wrigge

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract of promising striker Amy Wrigge on a long-term basis. The 18-year-old Germany U19 international, currently recovering from a torn cruciate in her left knee, has signed a new contract to 30 June 2029.