Socrates' Wisdom?
Socrates, who retired 14 years ago after leading Brazil to World Cup victories in 82 and 86, is set to return to professional football... even if it for English North Counties East League side Garforth. He's 50.
Purists are crying foul - and calling it nothing but a 'gimmick', which it very well may be. However, I'd like to play devil's advocate (as I am wont to do) and consider the positive repurcussions of such a move. I don't see it as a bad move per se, but it is something that, if not handled right, can open up a pandora's box in professional football.
Consider Freddy Adu. DC United paid him half a million dollars to play for them - at the age of 14! Is that bad? Not at all. He's an up and coming star, and is being nurtured. Do you think that's the reason DC United signed him? Possibly, but I suspect they were also thinking of ROI. Popularity and ticket sales skyrocketed as people went to the games with no interest in the game to watch the 'phenom'. Is he at his peak? No.
Now look at Socrates. When he plays for the little English side, popularity of the club will be unparalleled in the league. Not only will the team benefit, but also the league itself (as will the region). It is unlikely that in the plaid english leagues, they have seen mastery and skill quite like the Brazilian is capable of producing - despite his advanced years. Now, if this can raise capital, increase interest, resurrect kids' interest in pure and classic football... and provide some good entertainment to top it all; there couldn't be too much harm, could there?
Well, if they play it wrong... and make it a circus stunt - parading the aging star like he was Shamu, then things could go wrong. Teams could have players on their roster who do not belong there; depriving younger, lesser known stars of their rightful spot. All int he name of increased ticket sales - and popularity. We don't want a league of Harlem Globetrotters now, do we?
It can be bad. It can be very good though. I'd like to believe it will be the latter. That he will generate interest and revenues - and then quietly fade away - dignity intact, leaving us with some icing on the cake that was built by his magnificience in the two world cups. Fingers crossed...
Purists are crying foul - and calling it nothing but a 'gimmick', which it very well may be. However, I'd like to play devil's advocate (as I am wont to do) and consider the positive repurcussions of such a move. I don't see it as a bad move per se, but it is something that, if not handled right, can open up a pandora's box in professional football.
Consider Freddy Adu. DC United paid him half a million dollars to play for them - at the age of 14! Is that bad? Not at all. He's an up and coming star, and is being nurtured. Do you think that's the reason DC United signed him? Possibly, but I suspect they were also thinking of ROI. Popularity and ticket sales skyrocketed as people went to the games with no interest in the game to watch the 'phenom'. Is he at his peak? No.
Now look at Socrates. When he plays for the little English side, popularity of the club will be unparalleled in the league. Not only will the team benefit, but also the league itself (as will the region). It is unlikely that in the plaid english leagues, they have seen mastery and skill quite like the Brazilian is capable of producing - despite his advanced years. Now, if this can raise capital, increase interest, resurrect kids' interest in pure and classic football... and provide some good entertainment to top it all; there couldn't be too much harm, could there?
Well, if they play it wrong... and make it a circus stunt - parading the aging star like he was Shamu, then things could go wrong. Teams could have players on their roster who do not belong there; depriving younger, lesser known stars of their rightful spot. All int he name of increased ticket sales - and popularity. We don't want a league of Harlem Globetrotters now, do we?
It can be bad. It can be very good though. I'd like to believe it will be the latter. That he will generate interest and revenues - and then quietly fade away - dignity intact, leaving us with some icing on the cake that was built by his magnificience in the two world cups. Fingers crossed...
posted by Harish at 10:44
1 Comments:
Hey Thanks.
That means a lot.
Cheers.
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