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Story of how a German Paratrooper and PoW became an English footballing hero just four years after WWII is to be retold on the big screen

A feature film on the life of legendary Manchester City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann is to begin production this summer.

German-born Trautmann signed for the Manchester club in 1949, just four years after World War II in which he fought for Germany on the Russian front and in western Europe.

The signature of former Luftwaffe paratrooper, who was awarded the Iron Cross for bravery before his capture by the British, was met with widespread hostility by Manchester City supporters.

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German-born Trautmann signed for the Manchester club in 1949, just four years after World War II in which he fought for Germany
German-born Trautmann signed for the Manchester club in 1949, just four years after World War II in which he fought for Germany
Trautmann is helped off the field by his Mancherst City teammates after breaking his neck in the 1956 FA Cup Finalu00a0
Trautmann is helped off the field by his Mancherst City teammates after breaking his neck in the 1956 FA Cup Final

In one demonstration around 20,000 fans gathered in the city, which was bombed heavily by the Germans in the war, to protest the controversial signing.