Monday, June 22, 2009

Happy Birthday Michel!


Today, Sunday 21st June 2009, is the birthday of Michel Platini. The UEFA president turns 54. Juventus would like to send him their best wishes through this short article even though the immenseness of his career in bianconero, the affection of the fans, the joy and the enthusiasm which he transmitted to all those who were lucky enough to see him play are difficult to describe in such few words.

The Platini era (1982/83-1986/87) was rich in victories: due scudetti, a Champions Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, a Coppa Italia, a Cup Winners Cup and European Super Cup. Victories but also many unforgettable moments because he is an unforgettable player.

First and foremost for his many goals which made him merit the record of most consecutive victories as top scorer of the championship : three just like the number of consecutive times he won the Golden Ball. Then also for his free-kicks, particularly those that used to seat the keepers of the most important teams.

This is not near enough: Platini had an extraordinary vision of play which rendered him unique and a true leader of the team. Director on the field and leader outside of it he was such thanks to his personality, intelligence and uncommon shrewdness which made him go far in his life.

After an extraordinary career with Juventus, in fact, Le Roi became a coach leading the French national team for four years. With the Bleus as a player he won a European Championship. He then moved up to management roles up to reaching the top position in European football, that of UEFA president, a role while he has been occupying since January 2007.

On the 19th of July Juventus will be participating in a celebration in the village in which he was born: Jouef. To celebrate the 100th anniversary since the foundation of the local team, in fact, a friendly match between Juventus and Nancy has been organized.

Nancy is the team with which Platini won the first trophy of his career, the French Cup, with the next triumph being that of the national championship with St. Etienne. The rest is Juventus history – a beautiful story.

Juventus.com

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