Recently, CCTV's five sets of "World Football" column ushered in the 20th anniversary of the start of broadcasting, launched a "best lineup in my mind" selection activity, the activity will be the world football in the past 20 years of the emergence of the top superstars a net, fans can choose the formation at will, according to the location of their own fantasy lineup. However, many fans feel that they are not addicted, because world-class stars such as "Melancholy Prince" Roberto Baggio did not enter the selection, although he was born in the 1960s, he was close to his professional twilight when he entered the new century, but his elegant superiority, deadly kills, exquisite assists and tragic endings still remain in the hearts of fans.
Speaking of Baggio, he is definitely an "alternative" in world football, and since retiring from Brescia in 2004, he has disappeared from people's vision, and even the Italian media can hardly find him. Baggio doesn't like to show his face, he doesn't have social media, and if it weren't for a photo his daughter Valentina posted on social media recently, people still don't know how he's going. In the photo, on a path surrounded by Venetian hills, Baggio is pushing his old Fiat Panda 4×4 classic car on a muddy path, and Valentina captions, "So God has a Panda 4×4..."
Of course, what makes this photograph unique is not the beautiful nature and Baggio's dirty hands and the mud on his shoes, but the model of the car, which was produced in 1983, when Baggio was only 16 years old and had just signed his first professional contract in Vicenza. This is Baggio, he has always been so different, as a champion and an idol, after retiring he did not hesitate to put down his fame and prestige, dedicate himself to nature and that panda classic car, compared with other stars of his generation, the melancholy and sadness of Baggio's career, as well as the simplicity and simplicity after retirement, will always be unique to fans.
In the summer of 1994, Baggio, who appeared on the World Cup stage for the second time, took on the attention and responsibility of the whole of Italy, and he also lived up to expectations, almost single-handedly bringing the Blues to the final, showing the temperament of "a new generation of ball kings". But in the penalty shootout in the final, Baggio failed, kicking the ball away and handing over the Hercules Cup to Brazil. Baggio stood lonely in the huge field of Rose Bay stadium after losing the penalty, and the lonely and melancholy back became a classic.
On July 17 of this year, the 26th anniversary of the World Cup final in the United States, Valentina once again posted the picture of her father on social media, writing affectionately, "26 years ago, at the Rose Bowl Stadium, Brazil became the world champion, and my father mistakenly thought it was the biggest failure of his career." When people ask me about Dad, one of the most common questions is about how he felt during that period. In fact, I have always believed that despite our continuous efforts, life will always test us, teach us, and let us grow. I firmly believe that Father did his best that day, just like every day. His tears and hanging his head make us feel that in life, everyone has a time to feel that they are Robert Baggio, and the most important thing is not to give up. I love you, Dad. In my heart, you are always the best. ”
It is worth mentioning that baggio recently gave a rare interview to Vanity Fair, in which he mentioned that if he is still playing football, he hopes to play for Guardiola, because they are common in soul. As for his responsibility as an idol, Baggio admits that being able to transmit positive energy and bring happiness to people is a player's greatest achievement, which is often more valuable than the achievements of players on the pitch. Trophies are not irrelevant, but football is about more than just fighting to win.
For Baggio, whether it was during his time as a footballer or after retiring, he chose a tiring path, but this not only gave him unprecedented success, but also inspired and educated many people. Perhaps, as Italian football journalist Alpetro Alvisini put it, "Perhaps, that clumsy and humble Panda is the most exciting goal Baggio has ever scored." ”
Valentina and Baggio