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World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus has signed up to become a reality TV star.

The 50-year-old enjoyed a glittering playing career, appearing at five World Cups and lifting the trophy as captain of the then West Germany at Italia '90.

However, he is also known in his homeland for four failed marriages and a mixed coaching career.

Matthaus says appearing in the six-to-eight-part docu-soap TV series is designed to show the German public what he is really like.

His professional troubles and colourful personal life, including his current relationship with Polish underwear model Joanna Tuczynska, 23 years his junior, have made Matthaus a figure of fun in sections of the German media.

While the cameras will have access to most aspects of his life, some parts will remain off limits.

"The shower and bedroom are taboo and there won't be any sex scenes for sure," he told .

"But the cameras will be with me through all aspects which make up my life: my girlfriend Joanna, my children, my travels and my leisure time.

"I want to show people how I really am. Most people are only familiar with some of the headlines. I think there will be a lot of positive surprises for me."

Matthaus is regarded by many as one of the greatest midfielders to grace the game, with Diego Maradona describing him as "the best rival I ever had".

He is the most capped Germany player of all time with 150 appearances (83 with West Germany), scoring 23 goals.

As well as being the only outfield player to appear at five World Cups, he also played in a record 25 matches at the tournament between 1982 and 1998.

However, Matthaus has struggled to make his mark as a professional coach, spending short spells in charge of the Hungary national side and clubs in Austria, Brazil, Serbia and Israel.

He was sacked as Bulgaria coach last September after failing to qualify for Euro 2012.