A WINNER IN BRAZILIAN HEARTS – SOCRATES
We were stuck in transit at an airport when the news broke that Brazilian football legend Socrates passed away on Dec 4 and couldn’t write a tribute to him in time. Many football-loving fathers, brothers and grandads out there speak highly of this man whose legacy is well-documented by the passion of the Brazilians.
Socrates remains one of the best players the beautiful game has ever seen, and despite his free-flowing nature and magic on the pitch, never won the World Cup with the brilliant Brazil side he captained in 1982. He was an influential man – a qualified doctor who was politically active beyond his football career and one who always looked out for others. Despite his enormous talent (he scored 22 goals for Brazil and earned sixty caps), Socrates sadly did not win the World Cup or live long enough to see his country host it in 2014.
“A high quality he possessed was loyalty. I have the privilege of being his friend. Our children are friends. He’s going very early. He had unusual intelligence. You always expected something good from him.” – Zico
AN UNEXPECTED PASSING – GARY SPEED
Gary Speed’s death sent shock waves all over the football-supporting world earlier last month. His suicide was also lesson to be learnt by all : Footballers are human beings with emotions and problems just like the rest of the world.
Every job has its difficulties but in football, the stakes are higher, the pressure to succeed a little more intense and the scrutiny, merciless. It’s clear that depression doesn’t choose its victims and Speed’s death was a warning call to clubs and associations to monitor their players closely. RIP Gary Speed, your legacy in England and Wales will be remembered.
Photos via Reuters
