We all have a role to play in preserving the family traditions that make football so very special, writes GARY KEOWN PLUS: Antics from fans reminds us that football's traditions must to be nurtured Join Mail+ to get the best in-depth reporting from the world of football, plus more from your favourite writers and columnists By GARY KEOWN Published: 02:00, 2 February 2025 | Updated: 02:05, 2 February 2025 e-mail View comments On a recent visit from his home in Spain, my father-in-law brought a small piece of paper torn from a notebook – an heirloom, really – discovered at the bottom of a box hidden for years in the back of his storeroom. 'Para Lucia, con amor' are the words inscribed upon it. The signature below is that of none other than Pele.
It is a little message of affection to my wife, written by the great man and given to her as a young girl when he was working at an engagement with her dad many moons ago. An undisputed treasure. Lucia's father, Graham, has spent the best part of 40 years in and around football, landing a job as an interpreter at FC Barcelona just in time for Terry Venables winning their first title in 11 years in 1985 and later moving on to roles in the media and technical departments of UEFA.
That piece of paper, transported in a small cardboard folder with other mementoes from the mists of time, formed the basis of many conversations and recollections during his stay over new year. My wife's many years feted at the Nou Camp as a child before event.
