When I sit down to write an article, there are times in which the words flow effortlessly into this little white space that houses them.
But for today, drumming up an old cliché about how life goes on, or discussing how my life was changed due to a tragic event doesn't matter.
What matters is that one year ago, Aug. 28, 2007, Sevilla FC lost it's "Diamond Left Foot" as Antonio Puerta passed away at 2:30 p.m. due to ''multiple organ failure stemming from prolonged cardiac arrest."
In case you were not aware, Puerta collapsed during the opening weekend of the La Liga season, while Sevilla were playing Getafe. As a Getafe player knocked the ball out for a goal kick, Puerta went to his knees, and collapsed on the pitch.
Teammates and Getafe players realized something was amiss, and signaled for the trainers, as Antonio Puerta sat up, and appeared as though nothing had happened.
However, when taken back into the dressing room, Puerta collapsed again, and the now infamous video shots of him being rushed into the ambulance were to be the last images taken of the Sevilla midfielder.
When news emerged of the 22-year-old's passing, the entire country was in mourning. People from all across Spain traveled down to Sevilla for the funeral. Puerta's coffin was laid in the stadium, while thousands upon thousands waited hours in line to pay their respects, even if it was only for a mere five seconds.
Puerta's funeral took place less than 48 hours after his death, keeping with the funeral rites of Spain. As his body was taken to the niche it appeared as if the entire city of Sevilla lined the streets. Some were crying, but most were being typically Spanish, rejoicing in his life while chanting Grande Puerta or Puerta campeón! as the coffin was hoisted overhead and carried to its final resting place.
Now, I'd be lying if I said "Antonio Puerta was the best player ever for Sevilla," or even one of the top ten all-time greats for the club. Sadly, he did not have time to establish himself in that capacity.
However, Puerta was more than just a good player, he was a Sevillista; a Sevillista since birth thanks to his father who played for Triana Balompie and having grew up in Nervión, the area where Sevilla's stadium is located.
He wore his shirt with pride as a part of Sevilla FC for 14 years, having played with the likes of Sergio Ramos, Kepa Blanco, and Jesus Navas while toiling in the Sevilla cantera.
Manolo Jimenez, Sevilla's current coach, had a special relationship with Puerta, which started in the cantera when Puerta was only 18-years-old. Jimenez thought highly of Antonio, calling him, ''A captain without an armband.''
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3 months ago
hey man, this is one of the best tribute articles i've seen on the BR. may Puerta RIP.
5 starz & a POTD vote.
3 months ago
Thanks for sharing this Ryan. It was a sad sad day. A mention for Phil O'Donnell and Mark Vivien Foe too.
3 months ago
Potd and 5 stars for me, great tribute.
3 months ago
I watched that game, and even now I still can't believe it happened. When we saw him walk towards the dressing room, I thought he would recover. But when I heard the news the next day, I literally cried on my girlfriends shoulder. It doesn't matter if you are not a fan of Sevilla, witnessing that and then hearing what happened afterwards, just made your stomach turn. Thank you for never forgetting about him and for those who passed away in a similar manner. Truly he will never be forgotten.
3 months ago
Puerta still lives in fans' hearts.
His death joined the whole country. The colours didn't matter that day. Everyone was part of Sevilla's family. Betis and Sevilla, Real and Barcelona. This didn't matter that day.
Take a look to this picture. You will understand what I'm saying
http://blogimg0.ifrance.com/00/06/31/405867.jpg
3 months ago
thank you for a wonderful article
3 months ago
Great Article Ryan.
I will never forget the day that this tragedy happened. It was terrifying watching him go down and shocked me when the news came through that he passed away.
POTD!
3 months ago
Wonderful piece, Ryan....POTD.
3 months ago
Thanks Guys. I lived directly across from the Sanchez Pizjuan and am a huge Sevilla fan. I was watching the game live on TV when it happened, but was with Neil when it looked as if he would be fine when he walked off under his own power.
It was a sad, sad day for football fans everywhere, and yes, Phil O'Donnel and Marc Vivien Foe deserve a moment as well.
For Sevillistas, Puerta was exactly what you want a canterano to be. Hard nosed, work-a-holic who never stops.
Puerta's goal will forever live on. Vamos campeón!
3 months ago
This is a very fitting tribute for a fantastic athlete and incredible competitor. As the picture that Inaki shows illustrates, this broke down barriers beyond anything I have ever experienced.
Puerta will live on.
3 months ago
Great article.. a fitting tribute to a fine player.
3 months ago
This is a really good tribute, its good that people in football don't forget what happened to Puerta , he was a great servant to Sevilla.
3 months ago
Wow. This was a truly remarkable piece. 5 Stars/POTD for the next long while. Puerta was an incredible talent, it's too bad he was gone so soon. Man, thanks for the remembrance, but now I'm somber. Great work/
3 months ago
great article
3 months ago
Fantastic read. Absolutely Brilliant.
3 months ago
Nice article.fitting tribute.
3 months ago
Not many words to describe ones feeling when things like this happen but you did an excellent job..
3 months ago
Its not too often you read a lovely piece on B/R. I just did.
3 months ago
wonderful piece. POTD for me. Good job :)
3 months ago
Complete article. I am always influenced by nice strong endings. It was really sad an unfortunate what happened to Antonio Puerta. He should not be forgotten. I dont know what else to say. My vote.
3 months ago
didn't i already read this in big soccer?
kidding (not really)... nice piece. extremely well written.
3 months ago
Yup, you did read it in BigSoccer, since I am the creator of Center Holds It.
3 months ago
Thanks to everyone who commentated on this article.
The truth of the matter is, unless you really ever make it to Sevilla and see the way that people treat the memory of Puerta, my writing does not do it justice.
It just makes you stop and think that yes, all of us footballers are indeed human. We as fans have them on a pedestal that makes them seem immortal.
But as this incident showed, things can change in a blink of an eye.
3 months ago
Amazing article my friend , wow , i almost cried , i remember the day , it was a sad day for the footballing world , this article was an emotional read because i thought puerta was a little older than 22 , and its sad that he couldnt hold his own child , if there is a god up there he takes the wrong ones away at the wrong time eh .
5 stars and POTD
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