Remember the days when the beautiful game was truly beautiful. When the goals were treasured, and the fans were passionate? Somewhere between billionaires and nurtured egos, we lost what makes football great.
Today, we are bombarded with stories about our ‘heroes,’ detailing every aspect of their lives – except those relating to football.
Recently, John Terry was given the verdict of ‘not guilty’ of being a racist, but later fined and suspended by the FA for acts of racism. Yes, impossible is nothing. It’s the 21 century and he is still discovering that our counterparts on this planet are different colours? Is that the first thing that strikes Terry, in his illustrious career, in which he has travelled the world? Captain of the English football club, Chelsea, and former captain of the English national team, fortunate to brush paths with some of the best in the world – who are different colours – and yet his mind is still living in the past, instead of enjoying the rainbow world we fought so hard to live in.
Respect. This seems to be the most difficult idea for our ‘stars,’ which we once thought immortal to understand. Terry’s incident is not an isolated one and FIFAs attempts to kick racism out of football is only highlighted by the racist behavior of players and fans.
Watching a bunch of children playing football, anywhere, with a beat up old ball and sticks as goals, is an eye opening experience. Not taking anything for granted, other than the ball being round. That is the beautiful game at its finest ninety minutes. Bringing joy and happiness, to those who have not much to be thankful for. Humble beginnings, some of the best in the world, come from them. However, not all remember where they came from, or how fortunate they are.
The act Carlos Tevez, Manchester City forward, pulled in Munich last year, was far from showing his gratuity to a sport that has done more than just put food on the table. When last did anyone say ‘I would do anything for my team?’ Not only did he let his team and manager down, he busted the myth about footballers being overpaid and underworked, to put it bluntly.
His raw talent and clinical finishes were forgotten and are not the first thing that come to mind at the mention of his name.
‘Why always me?’ Who can forget the statement Mario Balloteli of Manchester City made at Old Trafford last season? Hard to forget such young talent, can have an ego so large, which is rapidly spiraling out of control. Although some character and humour adds entertainment to the game, there’s a line, and unlike a goal line, it’s not a good one to cross.
Pointless piffle.