This reminded me why I love football

By: Marco | October 8th, 2008

Emotional Ancelotti Fighting For Borgonovo

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has shown his soft spot as he prepares to play in tonight’s charity match for former Rossoneri and Fiorentina player Stefano Borgonovo, who is suffering from a form of Motor Neurone Disease…

Ancelotti will be one of many football celebrities to take part at the Artemio Franchi. The game has been organised by Fiorentina and Milan to raise money for charity which will help in the research to find a cure for the illness. The coach is looking forward to playing for his former team mate Borgonovo and, although Ancelotti is usually cool, calm and collected, he couldn’t hide his emotions on this occasion.

“This game is fundamental to make people more aware of this illness and to help research,” the coach told Sky Italia.

“We will all be emotional and it’s going to be a different night for everyone.

“Borgonovo is a friend and we shared many adventures. He was always a sensible man and we are all standing by his side in this moment of need.

“I hope this night will bring him [Borgonovo] plenty of joy and help him stay better as well as help find a cure for this illness.”

Ancelotti will be joined by a number of former legends including Marco Van Basten, Roberto Baggio and Franco Baresi. The Italian national team will also be in the stands showing their support.
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Roberto Baggio Returns To Football

Football legend Roberto Baggio will make his return to the pitch for the first time since hanging up his boots in 2004 for the ‘Tutti per Borgonovo’ charity match.

Baggio played alongside Borgonovo during the late 1980’s when they were both at Fiorentina. Both players enjoyed different careers. Sadly, Borgonovo fell ill and he was diagnosed with a form of SLA, a disease which begins to affect muscles leading to a deterioration in movement and, eventually, to whole paralysis. Baggio is one of the many stars who will feature later tonight and he has explained why he has come out of retirement to show solidarity for his former team mate.

“Everyone knows I love the Viola jersey,” Baggio told La Nazione.

“I have come back to this stadium and to the pitch for Stefano, he has brought me here.”

Milan and Fiorentina organised the game and proceeds will go towards Borgonovo’s charity which helps raise funds to further research to find a cure for the illness. A number of current and former stars will take part. Seedorf and Ronaldinho will play, as will Ruud Gullit, Demetrio Albertini, Franco Baresi and Marco Van Basten amongst others. Borgonovo is in Florence and, although he will not play a part in the match, he will be taken and paraded around the stadium by his children before Baggio gets proceedings underway.

I heard about Borgonovo’s story a while ago and it is really sad. ALS is a terrible disease that needs to have more attention brought to it. But Borgonovo still manages to love the Serie A and still have a positive attitude. I can imagine what it will be like when he goes out on the field; I can truthfully say it will be an amazing event its a shame that I don’t get to see it. Even reading about the match makes me get emotional and that takes a lot. With all of the talk about match fixing, all of the cheating, trash talking, accusations, classlessness, arguments with fellow football fans, fan boys and general idiots that come along with the sport this really reminds me why I truly love this game. Here’s to you Borgo.