Football industry suffered a devastating blow in 2020 due to the well-known pandemic. This turned into an unprecedented economical crisis for the clubs but, overall, the lost of the emotions inside the stadiums. More than a year later, Wembley has been the reunion of all the aspects that makes this sport magic.
Chelsea and Leicester faced each other off last Saturday in the FA Cup Final with 21.000 fans in the stands. The game was not spectacular, but Youri Tielemans raised his crowd with an outstanding goal that now is part of the history of this tournament. Kasper Schmeichel became then the hero thanks to two insane saves that made the ‘Foxes’ to roar once again.
The celebration on the pitch after the final whistle left us emotional images. Wes Morgan and Schmeichel are two out of the three that are still in the team that went up in 2014, along with Jamie Vardy. Seeing them lift the trophy and being aware of the fact that their retirement is coming up and that this could be their last dance was something very special.
On the other hand, Brendan Rodgers enjoyed a well-deserved prize for his job. Owner Khun Top joined the party as well to complete the picture. His father Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who passed away in 2018, was the man who started it all and, just as his son, created a strong bond with the fans and the players. This was reflected on the pitch last Saturday.
They have both given a lesson on how to run a club by getting close to the community and set long-term goals with effective methods. A huge contrast towards those owners who tried to create the Super League. This is why the meaning of this title goes beyond. In fact, it would be impossible to see Manchester United owners, for example, celebrating this way.
All this context and the scenes along of players, coach, owner and fans singing all together “championes” after a heart attack match ending and taking into account everything that Leicester City represents made me cry, Happy tears in a reunion with the essence of football. I love football.
Translated by Guillermo Bermejo.