2012 was a year in which sport really came to the fore due to, in no small part, the success of the London Olympics. Since then, there has been a lot of talk regarding the “legacy” of the London Olympics. Another major discussion point was the attitudes of the athletes who took part in the London Olympics and the plight of the modern day athlete. We all know the dedication and the sacrifices that athletes make in order to pursue their dream...working a full time job and then still finding time to train. The dedication and determination shown deserves all the plaudits and recognition it has been given. But as always in this country, comparisons were instantly drawn with the modern day footballer...suffice to say that such comparisons did not reflect well on the footballer.
It is important to reiterate that we do suffer from a degree of sensationalism in this country. In my opinion this is a result of a mixture of factors such as negative media coverage, human nature and our nation’s culture. Now I am sure that many a written word...not to mention column inches has been dedicated to this very topic, so I do not wish to rehash old ground. However, recent events have led me to revive a well flogged horse for one more lap around the track.
I am not sure if you are familiar with Sky Sport’s “My Special Day” programme, but it was through watching this show that you see another side to these footballers which is not often reported or discussed. Yes we hear about the contracts, the astronomical salaries, and incidents involving fireworks, the clubbing and the scandals. Sometimes it is difficult not to form an “opinion”. However, when you see these stars taking the time to speak to a young fan that is spending the day with them, making them feel part of their day, training with them...it becomes evident that although these stars are extremely privileged individuals, they are prepared to give back at any opportunity. Now I can hear the cynical souls among you thinking “...well of course they are going to be warm and welcoming...they are on camera...” To be honest I would be lying if I said that this thought did not cross my mind for a fleeting moment, but that moment of doubt was disregarded as quickly as it reared its ugly head. Whatever, we think of them, these guys are fathers, uncles, brothers, sons... they were not born into football, they live the same lives as the average Joe Bloggs, and they just do so with a degree of affluence.
As I continued to mentally prepare myself to take my place in the London “rat race” that morning, I did feel a pang of guilt for that fleeting moment of doubt. However, if the truth be told, many of us have a tarnished view of the modern day footballer, due in no small part, to the negativity that often engulfs football today. But even through the mire, we find a shining ray of hope and that hope comes in the form of the actions of Angel Rangel of Swansea City FC over the festive period. With the social media network which is now engrained in modern society, it is almost unfathomable to think that there is anyone who has not heard about this story, so I will not go into too much detail. Here is a privileged individual who was bestowed yet another privilege of free food...one which many of us would take for granted. However, in this instance he and his wife went out of their way to bestow said privilege upon those less fortunate than most of us who are reading this blog. In the immortal words of Andy Gray, “...take a bow son...”
Now a lot has been made of this to date, Jim White of the Telegraph quoted a Twitter user as stating that Angel’s actions were “...in danger of giving footballers a good name...” Truth be told, there are many footballers who, either through random acts of kindness, their own charitable organisations, The Steven Gerrard Foundation or schemes such as Little Stars Awards, My Special Day and Make a Wish, do things for their fellow man. Just recently David Beckham, who recently signed for PSG offered his wages to a local children’s charity in Paris. Sadly it seems that regulations prohibit a player playing for free, but I am sure something will be worked out. My only hope is that the younger generation observe the lessons to be learnt here. Football is not simply about the car you drive, the size of the house you live, nor is it about the salary you earn each week. If this lesson can be learnt, then maybe we have a chance to get back to the days when being a footballer was simply about the love of playing the game.
I am not suggesting that all footballers should work for free or even give their wages to charity, nor am I suggesting that they are angels to be revered. But between Angel Rangel, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham, there seems to be a growing trend that footballers may not be so bad after all.
Now you don’t have to take my word for it.
I'm just saying...
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