There are some times when I curse being trapped in Scotland and not in Tuscany. In fact, that is most of the time. However, the feeling will be particularly acute on Wednesday evening.
Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi is the venue for a tribute match for former Viola striker Stefano Borgonovo now afflicted by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - also known as Lou Gehrig's disease after the famous baseballer struck by it in the 1930s. He played more than 2,000 consecutive games and was nicknamed "Iron Horse" due to his legendary stamina. He died aged just 41.
ALS seems to disproportionately affect sportsmen - footballers in particular. One recent victim in Serie A was former Genoa defender Gianluca Signorini. Now it has Borgonovo in its grips.
The picture above is of happier times when Baggio and Borgonovo (a duo known simply as BB) were one of the top strike forces in Italy. I wish I could be in Florence tomorrow night, it is bound to be an emotionally-charged evening. Next best is watching it on television and raising a glass to a great footballer and a brave man.
2 comments:
It was so sad to see him brought out onto the field in his wheel chair and all. To see such a legend that was always smiling barely able to function is heart breaking to see. The game between Fiorentina and Milan was a great idea to honour him and to help the Borgonovo foundation. He will forver be in the hearts of all the fans...
It was a sad night but also a hopeful one. Maybe if enough people support brave people like Borgo then more might be known about the disease and how to combat it...
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