SoccerPod
The soccerPod hosts long-form, heart to heart interviews with past legends of the game of soccer. There is a massive market for soccer in the United States today, but it wasn’t always this way. We go back in time and talk to legends from the prior era, whose stories are not well known in the United States. We talk about playing with no shin guards, the apparent impossibility of a straight red card and smoking cigarettes at halftime. We talk about the legendary games they were a part of, the goals they scored and the trophies that they won. But we also explore the time and culture in which our guests grew up – whether it was, as a kid - seeing the Berlin Wall go up in their backyard, or going to sleep to the sounds of IRA bombs in 1980’s Belfast. From childhood through their professional careers, on to where they are today – our guests’ have all had interesting rides – and we explore them here.
For those who love it, the beautiful game connects us all. So relax, kick back and if you are into soccer talk with a nod towards nostalgia – or you just want to hear some fascinating stories that will make you laugh - give us a go.
SoccerPod
Salvatore Schillaci - English Version
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Toto Schillaci died last year after a long fight with cancer. When I asked him what kind of cancer he was battling, he laughed and with a smile in his broken English loudly replied – ‘Yerrikay! (his pronunciation of Eric) I no longer have a rectum - I know that much!’ The translator did his thing for the small group that wanted to listen in, and all laughed – just Toto being Toto was definitely the vibe.
He was one of those people so charismatic that you could get away with that kind of thing. Every question seemed an opportunity. A grin would come across his face as the translator would come to his end – he could not wait to relive a moment, to find humor or irony in an old story, or the warmth felt in recalling an old friend or teammate.
On he went, just holding court, for me and 5 of his chain smoking friends that deemed to stay on and listen in. About his youth in Sicily in the 70s where the mafia was all around you, about his long shot of making Serie A with his dream club: Juventus, then the even longer shot at making the national team and then that longest, out of the world, shot – of leading the 1990 World Cup in goals and captivating an entire nation with his play, his goals, and that irresistible smile. He would end 1990 2nd in Ballon D’Or (World Player of the Year) voting: a ridiculous journey for this kid from the south.
We did our sit at his tennis club, though it was only pickleball that I could see – such are the times everywhere I guess. But I will never forget it – Give the man a listen – I am sure that like me, he will win you over.
Ep 27 – Toto Schillaci
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