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By the time this correspondent reached the coveted Mohun Bagan ground a spaghetti-haired blond head was seen bobbing amidst a sea of black. The spaghetti headed blonde was none other than Colombia's best-known World Cupper, Carlos Valderrama.
The current Mohun Bagan squad had gathered around him only to be happy with this proximity with a legend. They were fervently shaking hands, exchanging salutations, asking for autographs and of course requesting for that ubiquitous selfie.
Valderrama was visiting India as a guest for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and made time to appear for a private visit at the MMB grounds. "Yes I am aware of the history and the prestige of the club," he was heard to have said.
Meanwhile, a sizeable crowd had found itself settling on the gallery stands. It won't be long before a shout would break out - 'Valde', Valde'. Such an endearing reception would normally be reserved for a star player who would be close to the supporters' heart. And with the Colombian sporting a Mohun Bagan jersey, he certainly had become one of their own.
On his part, Valderrama turned his fruity mane in the direction of the shout and flashed his toothy smile.
All this while, his wife, Elvira Redondo, was throughout by his side. The usual ceremony of presenting a sash and a memento presumed.
Not being able to communicate in any language other than Spanish was no doubt a big dampener but he more than made it up with his child like enthusiasm. Might I remind you that he was known as 'El Pibe' ('the kid').
It was understood that he held a high regard for the Colombian squad that played in the 90s World Cup. "That was a very good side," he said.
As far as the toughest match that he has ever played in his life he mentioned the matches that Columbia had played against Cameroon and Germany in the same 1990 World Cup.
And then he broke into a spectacle that all had gathered to witness. Picking up the ball he juggled it with his foot three times. Whistles, claps, shouts and a deafening roar ensued.
Only his third attempt managed to juggle the ball 25 times. Within a short span, he showed us his immense skill with the ball. If it were not for his restricting jeans he might have gone to get few more for sure.
In between, he managed to tell us that he might have left football but football has not left him. With a clear tone, he proclaimed, "Football is life, live for football."
Then the party made move towards the goal post. By the dint of staying close to his heels, I spotted him wearing a 'World-Tour' jeans. He seemed to be genuinely taken up by the impending U-17 tournament.
Placing the football somewhere near the penalty-spot, he took on Shilton Paul. With a deft jab placed along the ground, he outwitted Paul to dive left. GOAL!
The gathered had got a close-sniff of this Latin legend's sorcery that they are not going to forget in a hurry.
