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da realsbet： When I visited the San Siro in 2008 I was in awe. Despite the stadium undergoing some repairs during the off-season, I still felt the force of the history that had unfolded there. As I entered the changing rooms I envisaged seeing all the players who had sat in the seats during half time. Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, Rui Costa, Andriy Shevchenko, Paolo Maldini and Kaka, just a few of some of the most illustrious players to have spent time in that room. But of the crop of players at that time, the man whose seat I felt the greatest desire to sit in was that of Clarence Seedorf.
A true genius of modern football, Seedorf was so assured in possession. He treated the ball well, rarely giving it away and stroking it lovingly to his team-mates. Capable of the most intricate of touches to wriggle between opponents, he conversely had an innate ability to thump the ball with devastating power and unerring accuracy. Despite losing some of his pace in recent years, these comprehensive talents will ensure that he can still play for at least another two seasons at a high level.
Seedorf was part of the last great Ajax side that lifted the Champions League in 1995. At 19-years-old he was playing alongside the likes of Frank Rijkaard, Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert and the De Boer brothers in what proved to be the start of a long and decorated career.
After one season with Sampdoria, the Dutchman moved to Real Madrid. In an era preceding the Galacticos he was a key part of the side that regained the Liga title in 1997 before winning his second Champions League title the following year. Despite falling out of favour under Guus Hiddink in his third and final year int he Spanish capital, his spell was immortalised by an astonishing, timeless goal against Atletico Madrid. After shifting the ball out of his feet 40 yards from goal, he lashed a swerving effort at goal. The keeper, anticipating the cross left his goal exposed and the ball rifled into the roof of the net.
An unsuccessful spell at Inter followed. He may not have won any trophies with the Nerazzurri but his two stunning strikes in the 2-2 draw with Juventus ensured that he was remembered fondly by the club. However, that game was probably soon erased from the minds of supporters given the insurmountable glory he achieved with their arch rivals, AC Milan.
He became an icon in 10 years with the Rossoneri, winning two Scudetti as well as a pair of Champions League titles that made him the only player in history to win the tournament with three different clubs. He also won a World Club Cup and another five titles during his time in the red half of Milan. Seedorf performed consistently for the side and this is where he truly earned his credentials as a world class player.
At 36-years-old he played a smaller part last season in what was a heavily rotated Milan midfield, yet he still participated in many of the side’s most important game. He provided composure, class and tenacity in the heart of the park that will have convinced many clubs across the world that he still has plenty to offer them. He announced his decision to leave the club and according to The Daily Mail, he said:
“I am leaving after 10 fantastic years – they were intense years, so many seasons passed by so quickly like everything that’s great in life. I thank everyone, truly everyone. What emotion. I will let you know soon about my future. I am taking my time. I have lots of offers.”
The Dutchman has been heavily linked to a move to the homeland of his wife with Brazilian club Botafogo. Yet while his future may remain uncertain, there is no doubt about his likeability as his good-mannered nature made him a favourite of all in the footballing world. Well spoken in his punditry and frequently far more interesting than the majority of pundits on British televsion, his personality and skill with a football were perfectly summed up while working for the BBC during World Cup 2010.
All the talk was of the uncontrolable Jabulani football as the reason for a number of disappointing games and wayward shots. Yet Seedorf took to a local park in his jeans and football boots and filmed himself pinging the ball into the top corner with consumate ease. His effortless class was barely matched by any player participating in the tournament.
It is often said that international success is the hallmark of the true greats of the game, something that Seedorf failed to achieve with Netherlands. Yet he has made a mark on European club football the likes of which remain unmatched. When people recall the greatest players to have participated in the Champions League he will no doubt be close to the top. While he may not be remembered as equal to the historical likes of Pele, Diego Maradona and Ferenc Puskas due to his lack of international glory, he is without doubt one of the greatest players of the modern era and will be remembered by a whole generation of supporters. And there could still be more to come!
Let me know your favourite memories of Seedorf’s illustrious career on Twitter.
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