"A person never dies completely when they are remembered by those who knew them." Sarthak Kumar remembers the saddening story of Miki Roqué.
He was 22 when he sat down for the last time at a press conference. The tears came out but not one person in the room, nor anyone watching, begrudged him. He just wanted to play football. And now he couldn’t.
It was the 5th of March, 2011, and Betis’ young center-back, who had played a major role in Betis’ eventual promotion back to La Liga, was the center of attention. The entire Betis squad came out to that press conference to support their no. 26.
"I have a (pelvic) malignant tumor and I have to get it removed. The doctors are optimistic because it is not advanced, it’s just grade one to two. Unfortunately, the season is over for me."
"I’ll be back" is what he really meant to say. He was sure that he would be back, on the green grass of the Estadio Benito Villamarín, to the cheers of 52,500 fans in a full-packed stadium. He just wanted to play football.
The very next day he underwent surgery, but there was a long treatment process ahead. And being just a B-team player, with a B-team salary, money was an issue. Money was an issue for Real Betis too - they were in the worst financial position in their history and had - just the previous summer - nearly filed for bankruptcy.
But, in an act of try solidarity, the fans and the club came together, and raised 2,800 euros for his treatment via the sale of solidarity shirts. It was a good start, but it wasn’t enough.
A fine gentleman, with long, ragged hair, came and paid 30,000 more for specialist treatment. He and Miki’s mother came from the same village - La Pobla de Segur - and it didn’t matter that he didn’t know Miki. He sat by Miki’s side, as he fought and fought for his dream to come true, for the pain to be over and for him to return. Miki just wanted to play football, and that fine gentleman wanted to see that too.
That fine gentleman was Carles Puyol.
Miki lost his battle with cancer on 24th June 2012. Betis had lost their no. 26, but they wouldn’t forget. Every 26th minute of every half of every game, Betis’ fans roar "Miki" loudly around the stadium, in memory of their "Eternal 26".
A person never dies completely when they are remembered by those who knew them. And every 26th minute at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, we feel that Miki is together with us.
— Betis president Miguel Guillén, 2013
It may be three years later. It may be a weak attempt and it may mean nothing. It may seem insufficient to those more affected by Miki’s loss. But here goes:
You left in such pain but didn’t say a word.
you chased your dreams without fear.
You fought and remained determined
and didn’t stop even after a year.
you dreamed big dreams - a stadium
full of fans who would sing and cheer
you on as you came to the pitch again
to celebrate a revived career.
You never gave up in your fight even when
your condition became more severe.
You never gave up in your fight.
Even within a tense atmosphere.
You never gave up in your fight
because your fight was sincere.
You may have left but the memories haven’t.
You are here with us. Right here.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/1QMwfyN
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