Pancho Gonzales was the best men’s tennis player for much of the ‘50s and ‘60s but was excluded from the big tournaments because he played for money. Amateur Rugby Union was resigned to losing its best players to professional Rugby League until it turned pro in 1995, while boxing is a clear case of a pure sport tainted, if not ruined, by the green.
Fans and football’s natural order are upset. I should perhaps be glad one of the world’s best players could be on his way to one of the Premier League’s weaker teams instead of to one of the Big Four, but Kaka’s move to Man City almost makes me want to give up following the game I grew up loving.
Rival clubs do not need wage inflation in a time of recession, and supporters do not want to be told the game is only about money, even if it actually is. We would like to think skill, tactics, desire and coaching still have some bearing on soccer success. But the Kaka deal will definitely happen if the money Indian satta is right. Milan will take the bait, but what about the player?
Saying your favorite book is the Bible and wearing Christian t-shirts for the cameras leaves one inevitably open to scrutiny. So has Kaka read Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:23-24 (or indeed in Mark 10:24-25 or Luke 18:24-25) – “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Money can only be your prime motivation in moving down a peg on the career ladder, so don’t be a hypocrite now, Kaka. You don’t have to move to Manchester City. Don’t be bullied by Berlusconi. Respect the wishes of the fans who made all those banners in your honor at the San Siro this weekend and who have marched in protest because they love you so much.
satta matka 