Wembley hero Patrick Bauer: I chose not to celebrate against my former side out of respect
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
He’ll forever be remembered for his final touch in a Charlton shirt – and Patrick Bauer’s SE7 legacy won’t be tarnished despite his winning goal for new side Preston over the Addicks on Saturday.
The big German defender capped off his four-year spell at The Valley with the 94thminute play-off final winner against Sunderland at Wembley Stadium that secured Charlton’s place in the Championship for this season.
The 27-year-old’s contract expired after that game back in May 2019 and he went on to sign a three-year deal with North End.
The former Stuttgart man decided not to celebrate as his 52nd-minute header proved the difference at Deepdale over the weekend.
“I spent four very good years at Charlton,” explained Bauer, who joined the Addicks from Portuguese side Maritimo in summer 2015.
“Obviously, I scored the winner at Wembley. I moved on in the summer but anyway, I’m still following the Charlton games. I still have a lot of friends at Charlton. Over the four years I’ve been really respectful with everyone as well. I scored the winner today but Charlton will always be a part of my life. We spent a very good time together. I’m just respectful.
“Charlton have won just once in I don’t know how many games. Charlton are in a difficult situation right now. I’m just respectful. I spent a good time there so I didn’t think I had to celebrate the goal.
“Early doors we lost the ball sloppily. They got behind us and we conceded early doors. Before half-time we managed to score the equaliser and I thought in the second-half that we totally dominated and we deserved to win.”
Bauer was one of the few players who experienced the majority of the few highs and many lows of the Roland Duchatelet era in SE7, having also been a part of the side relegated from the Championship in 2015.
He hopes the recent takeover by East Street Investments will herald the start of a successful era for his former side.
“To be honest, with Roland I thought it would never happen, the takeover,” he said.
“I’m really excited for everyone. The new owners seem to be very excited as well for everything. Hopefully, Charlton have a bright future because it’s an amazing club with an amazing fanbase. I wish them all the best for the future.”
MAIN PHOTO: KYLE ANDREWS