An old saying goes that ‘nobody is a prophet in his own land’. I believe that this is a half-truth.
In recent days, two of the greatest players to have graced European football pitches in the last 20 years have said goodbye. Steven Gerrard and Xavi have decided to leave Liverpool and Barcelona, respectively.
These two players represent an atypical pattern in football today. While the common denominator indicates that these gladiators in short pants and boots lead the life of globetrotters, fighting for the Caesar that best pay him, Xavi and Gerrard decided that there is no place like home.
It is true that both players have been part of two of the most important teams in world football, but even so it is noteworthy that in a sport that is slowly losing the romanticism of yesteryear, Xavi and Gerrard represent the validity of football ‘the game’ over ‘the business’.
The departure of Xavi reminds us of the departure of Josep Guardiola. Both were products of the Masia; both were part of great teams that remain in the history of FC Barcelona.
Today in Catalonia, speaking Guardiola or Xavi is equivalent to talking about Salvador Dali and his ‘The Persistence of Memory’ or the songs of Joan Manuel Serrat.
They were born, grew and were successful there. Their triumph was the triumph of a society that lived delayed and subjugated to the will of Madrid, which not only prevented the Catalans reaching their much-desired independence but also, and thanks to the wiles of Generalissimo Franco, stole them the opportunity to enjoy the greatness of Alfredo Di Stefano.
Xavi gave everything to Barcelona and the Barca gave everything to him, but now is the time to let go. Qatar appears as the perfect destination for the Spanish midfielder, since there he will play his last matches without fear.
Xavi does not fear rivals, Xavi is afraid of himself. The years, the injuries, the matches have worn his body, undermining his performance in field. Leaving Barcelona means that his legend remained immaculate.
Something similar happens with Steven Gerrard. He knows that he never walk alone, but his heart asks for a new challenge.
Gerrard is a kind of adventurer. His natural domain is the midfield, where he organises every movement of Liverpool with the simplicity of an orchestra conductor. But far from staying in his comfort zone, Gerrard ventures into the attack whenever opportunity allows.
Often, his goals are the key that opens the most difficult games. That well-remembered Champions League final played in Istanbul in 2005 is the proof of what has been said.
After a first half in which everything that could go wrong went wrong, Liverpool rallied from 0-3, and managed to take the match into a penalty shootout where the Reds were the victors. This game was not only one of the most striking definitions in the history of the Champions League, but also was the time of the apotheosis of Steven Gerrard.
The new destination for the English midfielder will be the glamorous Los Angeles Galaxy, there where football is mixed with movie premieres.
Life has contrasts. While Hollywood Boulevard, with all its luxury and distinction, awaits with open arms their new signing, Anfield Road says goodbye to its most beloved son with gratitude, tears and the only certainty that nothing will ever be the same in Liverpool.
It is true what some writers and poets say. The first love is the most important of all. What comes after that is just a vain search. The most significant moment of this love is the last kiss, the ultimate demonstration of love which summarises the good and bad that they have lived together. Xavi, Gerrard and their teams are living that particular moment.
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