A tribute to a legend: Nistelgia!

He received the ball just inside his own half, waltzed past a bunch of swarming, hopeless mortals and with that characteristic flourish put an end to one of the most flowing solo efforts I have witnessed. This was ten summers ago and ten summers hence this moment of magic leaves me as incredulous as it did back then.

The man is uncharacteristically Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Uncharacteristically because the wide-eyed perception is that he is a classical poacher, a person searching, almost squinting for that extra yard of space, one who reads a pass before it is made, a vulture that lands up at the right place at the right time.

I have always believed that there is more to his game than just banal opportunism- the sudden burst of pace, the effortless turn of the marker, the nonchalant dink above an onrushing keeper, they are all a part of his game-shown in glimpses, glimpses which are long enough to leave an indelible impression on a collective mass of observers. Those who never saw missed out on a spectacle but today is not the day for settling pointless debates, today is about ‘The Man’, today is about the memories.He gave me memories that will last me a lifetime and if possible even beyond that. I would like to believe that we treaded similar paths throughout the course of our lives although in very different ways, I would like to believe that one day we shall cross paths and dwell on the times that have gone by. In short, I would like to believe that he and I are similar in ways deeper and more varied than what is apparent.

I am not ashamed to admit that there was a tear that coursed itself across my cheek as he did against those helpless defenders a decade ago because today I do not just bid adieu to my hero but I bid adieu to my childhood. Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a part of the fabric that defines and he shall continue to be so.

Thank you ‘Van the Man’, thank you for the memories.Fare ye’ well.

May your hands always be busyMay your feet always be swiftMay you have a strong foundationWhen the winds of changes shiftMay your heart always be joyfulAnd may your song always be sungMay you stay forever youngForever young, forever youngMay you stay forever young.~Bob Dylan (Forever Young)