Former Manchester City and Germany international goalkeeper Aike Immel has avoided a real prison sentence in a case concerning unpaid debts.
The 65-year-old veteran was accused of failing to return loans totaling €34,000 (£30,000). While the prosecution sought a 29-month prison term, a district court in Marburg, Germany, opted for a two-year suspended sentence.
Immel has etched his name in German football history, winning the Bundesliga with Stuttgart and providing steadfast goalkeeping for Borussia Dortmund. His time at Manchester City spanned from 1995 to 1997, where he made 50 official appearances before hanging up his gloves.
The court mandated Immel to undertake regular therapy sessions for his drug addiction and complete 200 hours of community service. Judge Dominik Balzer issued a stern warning to the former goalkeeper regarding the consequences of any future misdemeanours:
You will go straight to prison if you commit even one offence in the future.
Immel's lawyer, Burkhard Beneken, emphasised in court that the root of his client's financial troubles stemmed from a severe cocaine addiction:
If Mr Immel undergoes treatment for his cocaine dependency, he will never commit crimes again – I am 100 percent sure of that. He is not the type to cheat others for a Ferrari trip. What he needs most is proper rehabilitation.
In a heartfelt admission during the proceedings, the former keeper expressed his desire for a second chance at life:
I can only say how painful all this is for me. I will no longer lie and hope for a second chance. I lost my health insurance, the bailiffs were knocking on my door. No one in the football world wanted anything to do with me as I never learned to manage my finances. I want to completely change my life. I can work in goalkeeping training camps, and I receive offers to participate in reality shows. Now I have a new partner who cares for me. For that, it's worth becoming a decent person again.
Immel's official bankruptcy was recorded back in 2008. The former player has previously admitted to leading a lavish lifestyle during his playing days, and after a high-profile divorce and failed business investments, he lost almost £10 million.
