With
FOOTBALL FEVER overtaking Europe I caught the end of one of
those TV documentary tributes to the late Sir Stanley Matthews.
For
overseas readers Sir Stanley was a gentle man and a true English
gentleman as well as being football legend in his own time. Perhaps the
nearest equivalent in American terms would be a composite of Babe Ruth
and O.J Simpson - sans their scandals. Latin
American readers should think of him as an English Pelé or
Maradonna
Not
once in a long career was Sir Stanley ever booked for misbehaviour on
or off the pitch and he was, quiet rightly, adored by millions. He
Played the Game. He captained his country and all for six English
pounds per week.
But
it was a throwaway quote that caught me mesmerised by its philosophical
depth when the great man said quite casually;
"
Age may wrinkle the skin - but it is lack of enthusiasm that wrinkles
the Soul".
(Article
reproduced with the author's approval)