Beckenbauer gets transfer from wife

German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer has left his wife because he wants to spend more time with his illegitimate son.

The 56-year-old has a two-year-old son, Noel Maximilian, from a relationship with a former Bayern Munich football club secretary. Beckenbauer is the club president.

"After long consideration and discussions, my wife Sybille and I decided to not continue our joint course in life. The separation comes by a fair and friendly agreement.

"The main reason for it is my wish to spend more time with my son who was born in August 2000. I feel responsible for him," Beckenbauer said in a statement.

Beckenbauer - dubbed The Kaiser during his playing days - and his wife Sybille, 54, have been married for 12 years. It is his second marriage.