It was the 1998 World Cup and I was 7 years old. I definitely didn't remember any of the player's names. They were just figures on the tv kicking the ball around. Then i remember my dad shouting over a foul. Me at 7 years old just wanted to get in on the fun. I started asking my dad and his friends about the game. Pesky lil kid. I was actually quite a sick kid. Asthma, food allergies, kept falling over, bullied by my elder brother and getting stitches. It was quite funny when i learned that the team playing on the tv that day was the France national team. Considering they are my favourites to win the world cup now.
As i got older i had no intention of playing any sports considering of my sickly history as a kid, but the only way i could socialise was through sports. They had tryouts in school and all my friends tried out, so naturally, yeah, i tried it out. I was a small kid, but i was light. So i had speed. I didn't get selected but the athletics coach saw me run and i got chosen for that instead. A lil disappointed but what the heck, better than nothing i guess. I was still socialising with the boys from the football team though. So i started watching football to get in sync with the conversations they had. That was when i saw The King Thierry Henry played in Arsenal. Oh dear god. Oh dear sweet god. The way the commentators screamed his name when he scored was just the sweetest cherry on top of my infatuation on him that time. His play joined with the smoothness of Dennis Bergkamp just hit that amazing spot for a young teen discovering the bliss of football.
I spent all of primary school doing athletics but was secretly in love with football. Kept sitting by the pitch after training watching the team play. Just wishing i would be one of them. In secondary school, i tried out for the football team again. This time i was faster, taller and was madly in love with football. I wasn't any good. I just wanted to be on the field. I wanted to reenact the skills and pace i have religiously watched on tv, to the pitch. I was selected but was on the bench most of the time. Every time the coach called out my name to be substituted i always stood up like a soldier eager to go to war. Studies was still first and foremost though. I had strict parents. So years went by and i finished secondary school mostly playing football and studying. IT WAS HEAVEN.
I still played football in Uni. Couldn't let go of it. I knew i didn't have the talent to become a pro player. So i chose a profession closest to it. Sports MED. I became a physiotherapist. The guy who runs onto the field to treat the players. Everything i learned, i had to link it to football somehow. Always made time to play even though i was swamped with exams and assignments. Football was the only outlet i cared about. Tried my best to get clinical training nearest to the sport i loved so dearly. Once i graduated, i landed my first job as a physio in a football academy. JACKPOT.
I travelled the world with them. I finished my passport within 2 years. They had tournaments and friendlies all around Asia and Europe. I was tasked to take care of a team of 16 & 17 year olds as they grow to become South East Asia's best. Never in my wildest dream would i have imagined i would learn that much about football in such a short span of time. Changed my whole view of the sport once i start working in football. Being on the bench sitting next to the coach on the crucial game of the tournament. THE PRESSURE WAS INTENSE. I mean this is developmental football, but still, the work that goes into developing a team of players was just crazy. Everybody on the technical team had to give it their all, just as much as the players on the pitch. I saw a side of football i never even knew existed.
I had trained and rehabilitated players from the developmental team to the senior team. i saw what injuries could do to a player's career. Went through some tough times with the team and won amazing games with them. SADLY. I had to let go of the job after 4 years as i had family commitments and i wanted to settle down. If you have worked in sports i am pretty sure what type of commitment it takes to continue in developmental sports. It was an amazing experience. Loved every minute of it. I still play social football every week. Thats about as good as it gets now. I changed careers and got into the family business. The deep love i have for football will always burn strong. I am happy France made it to the World Cup Final this year. 20 years since i first saw them play. What a difference it has been for me. I believe it has come full circle with me and football.
Allez Les Bleus!
Dear Football
I love you.
my name is AL IMRAN
i am from MALAYSIA
I KNOW YOU LOVE FOOTBALL TOO.
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