The former forward of «Dynamo» Igor Belanov congratulated the outstanding Frenchman Michel Platini on his 70th anniversary.
Igor Belanov and Michel Platini“Today, the legend of football, Michel Platini, celebrates his anniversary!
For me, this figure in football is a symbolic personality! The holder of the Ballon d’Or in 1983, 1984, 1985 was a role model for me, an example of stability and hard work during our time, which, as they say now, was romantic football. Why romantic? Because it was a period when there were no crazy advertising contracts, no massive involvement in gambling, huge bonuses, and all that commerce that has engulfed football, as a sport of strong men who truly competed for the honor of their club and country.
Therefore, I always fondly remember my friends — symbols of that era. And among them is Michel, a Frenchman of Italian descent, who glorified the French national team and the Italian Juventus, who went three years unbeaten in the European competition for the Ballon d’Or, and ironically, his stunning series was interrupted by me, the next holder of the golden trophy in 1986. We recalled this with Platini after our careers ended during official football events and friendly matches of the symbolic teams of Europe and the world.
I intentionally do not want to mention all the negativity that Michel has gathered in his role as the head of UEFA, because I am not familiar with the materials of those cases, and the press wrote and writes about all of us what is ordered. I know this for sure from my own history. Therefore, I will only express my personal opinion. For me, Michel Platini is a leader, a true champion, a master of the football craft, a successful coach, a person with the right family values, a friend, and a personality that I respect and highly value!
Long years and new victories to you, Michel! I hope for our meeting and possible cooperation on projects for the benefit of our Ukraine!” — wrote Belanov on Facebook, adding a photo.
