The German, Miroslav Klose, is best known for being the record goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. However not only is he one of the greatest goal-scorers of the modern game, but he’s also one of the finest gentlemen of the sport. Like many of his peers, Klose has a ruthless winning streak, but unlike many, he doesn’t resort to the “anyway, anyhow” mantra that’s followed by players across the globe, desperate to get their names on the scoresheet.

There have been two astonishing accounts of Miroslavs Corinthian Spirit. In a game against Napoli in 2012, playing for Lazio, Klose admitted to accidentally using his right hand to push the ball over the line. The referee rescinded the goal which he initially had given on account of Klose’s admission.

And on the 30th April, 2005, when playing for Werder Bremen, Miroslav went down in the box under the challenge of Bielefeld goalkeeper, Mathias Hain, the ‘keeper was booked and a penalty awarded. But Klose once more appealed to the referee, this time that it hadn’t been a foul and the goalkeeper had touched the ball first. Incredibly the referee again overturned the decision to award the penalty and rescinded the keepers yellow card. Klose said after the incident: “I'm a bit irritated by all the fuss around me doing this. For me, it was something you should always do. I would do it again - always.”

A true Corinthian sentiment indeed and a wonderful example of the spirit remaining alive in the modern game.

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