Gary Lineker is one of the players that I admire very much, not just for his great scoring ability and elegant finish, but much more for his attitude in general on the pitch and outside it as well. In 1990 he was awarded FIFA fair play award as he was never had a red or yellow card in his career. By 1990, he was already a hot target for defenders boots and elbows. He already scored 10 goals in WCs, top scorer in 1986 and bunch of other titles with his clubs.
Well, what I admired more of his attitude, was not even what made him a winner for the FIFA fair play. It is more for his attitude outside the pitch. His oldest of four sons, George was diagnosed with blood cancer, Leukemia in the early 1990s. Gary was still in a great phase of his career, when he decided that other things are more important for him. He decided to quit international games, quit playing in England with Tottenham Hostpur and move to Japan, as there he would have a better chance to cure his kid.
Later, he was very active in the charity for cancer organizations.
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Gary in 86 WC |
Now, my post is about how Gary ended his international career in specific. In April 1992, Gary was approaching great record by scoring his 48th goal for the national team. He was just one goal away from the
legendary Bobby Charlton 49 record goals. At that time, it was apparent that Gary will do it. He will still play some friendlies plus the Euro1992.
I was watching Brazil - England 1992 riendly at Wembly. It was 1-1 when England got a penalty kick, and Gary was in his way to equalize Bobby Charlton record, but .............
Later, England played the 1992 Euro and didn't score any goal in the first two games against Denmark and France. The final game of the group was against Sweden. The normal thing was that England and France will qualify to second round. But the unexpected happened:
Denmark defeated France 2-1. At the other game, England went ahead just after 4 minutes by David Platt after a very nice assist by Gary Lineker. But, Sweden equalized 1-1 in the second half. Then, Gary was substituted by Alan Smith.
At that moment, the common sense would expect we will still see Lineker scoring in the other games when England qualify. The big shock was awaiting. Sweden scored another goal, Lineker was out ended his international career, and England ended as the last in the group.
Watch the last game quick highlights vs. Sweden.
and don't miss wonderful video of all of his 48 international goals
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