When asked to describe the ultimate soccer man only one name springs to mind. No matter where in the world you mention the name Sir Bobby Robson he always gets identified as the man who lived and breathed soccer for almost 50 years.
Sir Bobby Robson passed away on Friday in Durham leaving a legacy of passion and commitment that never grew old or tired and was never influenced by money, culture or language.
He was 76, battling 5 different cancers since the 90’s and was last seen coaching in Newcastle from a wheelchair.
The above paragraph is a great synopsis of the man who is known to the world as a “man of soccer”. Imagine that, fighting 5 different cancers and at the age of 76, still committed to coaching school boys from a wheelchair. Do I need to say anymore?
Sir Bobby coached the biggest clubs in England, Netherlands, Portugal, Canada and Spain. His decision to coach certain clubs was never based on money, but for the good of the game. Could Canada possibly afford the services of this great man? I strongly doubt it.
Players, many of them superstars have been quoted as saying that Sir Bobby was more than a coach and more like a father. Who can forget Romario and Ronaldo? He unearthed these gems from Brazil when they were still young teenagers. He turned them into household names in Eindhoven and Barcelona.
When asked to give a speech at a coach’s conference, he was asked what he looked for in junior (kids) players.
“What do I look for in young players” he repeated.
“The same things that I look for in a player who might set me back millions in the transfer market” he laughed.
“He must have pace, control, understanding and sharpness. He must be enthusiastic, brave, courageous and dedicated. He must have a certain amount of technique, although that can be added as he matures. If these raw materials are evident, you have something to work from and you have a good chance of producing a professional player.”
Sir Bobby being the determined man he is, survived cancer in the mouth, the lungs, the brain with dignity, humor, fortitude and his trademark single most evident trait, determination, or as he liked to call it,
“Sheer hard graft”.
When speaking at his cancer charity,
“It’s difficult to compare achievement, this is different to football. We are talking about saving lives, not winning matches.”
“But this is up there with anything I have achieved in the game. Football makes a huge difference to people, but what the people here at this research center are doing is far more important. Soccer is about beating your opponent, this is about beating death. I have met unforgettable people and this has been a great year.”
“I am going to die sooner, rather than later. But everyone has to go some time and I have enjoyed every minute.”
Sir Bobby Robson will be remembered for being a nice person and for being the greatest football person ever. He will be sadly missed by everyone involved in Soccer and is a significant loss to the game.
A minute silence and black arm bands should be worn all over the world to honor a great man and the life of “Mr. Football”.
Rest in Peace, Sir Bobby Robson.
The most beautiful line in this post is ” I am going to die sooner, rather than later. But everyone has to go some time and i have enjoyed every minute. Very positive way towards life.
@mike filsaime: you are right this is the most beautiful line in this post. I also like it very much along with this post.
He’s a very inspirational kind of guy. You really cant find them like him around anymore.
Hi, I am a big fan of Sir Bobby Robson .He was good player we miss him always and he Looked For In Young Players .Thank you