Brazil Legends v India All Stars

How often do you get a chance to witness a player you’ve stayed up nights to watch decimate defences in the Champions League (I am looking at you John Terry and Chelsea FC)?

I became a fan of Ronaldinho when he scored the free kick against England in the 2002 World Cup. Although I was 3 years into being an Arsenal fan, I was mesmerised when I realised what he did–he sees Seaman (Arsenal’s then ‘keeper) out of his line and tries an audacious shot that goes in–was simply out of this world. I then started following the buck-toothed genius’ exploits whenever I could, across La Liga and the Champions League, till he decided to go to Milan and wind down his career.

So, when I heard that the Brazil Legends from the 2002 team, along with their coach Dunga, are coming to Chennai to play a game against an Indian All-Stars team, I was secretly hoping that I could be a part of it. I almost didn’t make it because of my commitments with Sporting Club Bengaluru, but I feel the universe wanted me to have this.

And there I was in Chennai, shaking hands with Rivaldo. Taking a selfie with Gilberto Silva, telling him how much I adored him while he played for Arsenal…the invisible wall…recounting the first goal he scored at the newly inaugurated Emirates Stadium. It was against Portsmouth, a header from a corner to level the game 2-2. I even remember where I watched it (I obviously didn’t tell him that). Whispering to Dunga how I was this 13-year old kid who saw him lift the ’94 World Cup in the wee hours of dawn after Roberto Baggio kicked his penalty into oblivion. I am not sure he understood a word I said, but it didn’t matter.

Although the entire traveling contingent was extremely humble, kind and generous, I couldn’t help feel like a child who is seeing his heroes in flesh.

But, I was tasked with taking photographs of the event. And, I think I did that with aplomb.

The Indian team gave a great account of themselves, equalising after the Brazilian Legends went ahead.

The game eventually ended 2-1 in the favour of the Brazilians.

Oh, I exchanged some lovely banter with Heurelho Gomes. There were two Sp*rs fans in the event team who loved to point out to him that I’m an Arsenal supporter. And we’d both go, ‘pffft…pfft’ at each other.

I was tempted to sing “What do we think of Tottenham…” but he was bigger and there were three of them. So, maybe next time.

Fin