“I remember when I was a kid, we couldn’t find the signal really well on TV, but everyone in school was talking about this cartoon about football, from Japan. It was a series called Oliver y Benji in Spain, and in Japan it was Captain Tsubasa, and these two young players started as youth team players, got into the national team, won the World Cup, and moved to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, so it was like a dream. I started playing football because of this, and because my brother forced me, and I loved the cartoon…."
The above quote came from Fernando Torres who was in Japan early this month for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Indeed, sometimes we have actually forgotten how we started to love the simple game, football, in the first place. In fact, it is a simple reason after all – you just love it that you want to enjoy it. Probably it is the happiness which we are looking for.
For some coaches, their training philosophy is to instill happiness and enjoyment into the daily training routine in order for their players to perform their best. Can you imagine players hate going for a training? Even if the player plays a key role in your squad, he will never be able to give you his best if he dislikes your session.
Sometimes I am so swamped with my work that I fell asleep during a futsal game’s half time break in my sweaty attire. However, when I get onto the pitch again, I joke with my mates over my winger’s mis-executing johan cruyff’s turn, I laugh at my keeper for not wearing a dress for the game but basically, I enjoy the accompany of my mates and the joy of kicking around the ball. I find happiness in the game despite the hectic working schedule drains me off.
To all my dear friends, specifically my football friends, I believe you could find the same happiness in the game which you are extremely good at. Try playing the beautiful game with your mates again like what you used to when you’re young, you could discover something fresh or new about the game and probably your mates. Like what famous Greek philosopher, Plato ever quoted, "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Redefine your love for the beautiful game and you will perform.
Starting of a brand new football season soon, do your best and enjoy the game. Good luck.
Photo: discuss.com.hk
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