Gigi Meroni: Artists, and Athletes Toff In One Body

Long before David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo soccer icon with the appearance and style of the celebrity lifestyle, the world has come to know some of the legendary players who have behavior like that. Mainstay of 1950s Brazil, Garrincha, is a great player who is also known controversial. Right winger with the steady dribbler bring Brazil win two World Cups in 1958 and 1962. Players whose name is taken from a bird species is known as an alcoholic and living with many women. Another with George Best. The left winger Northern Irishman is considered one of the world's best players who have not had a great tournament between countries (European Cup and World Cup). In addition to the brilliance of the game on the pitch when defending Manchester United in 1963 and 1974, Best was also known as an alcoholic, dandy and likes multiple partners. "Ninety percent of my money I can spend on women, drink and fast cars," Best said when he retired as a player. From Italy, there was a legendary player who also has a resemblance to the character and intensity of play with both players before, namely Luigi Meroni. More than two-universal name, Meroni probably the least known. Naturally, because he only had six times for the Italian national team and played six seasons of professional football in the world before his death at a very young age, 24 years. Not like Garrincha and Best, Meroni dies not because of addiction to alcohol or poor health, but because of a tragic accident on October 15, 1967. The player who is better known as Gigi Meroni was raised when defending club Torino in 1964. Meroni is a flamboyant player, nicknamed "La Granata Butterfly" or maroon butterfly, referring to the color of the uniform club Torino. The nickname was given because of his playing style is graceful, full of skills and tricks. Beautiful and agile like a butterfly. Despite playing one era to the other such Italian maestro Gianni Rivera, Sandro Mazzola and Luigi Riva, Meroni long hair and beard that he mix with high technical capability football is something memorable for football fans, as well as distinguish Meroni with others. Meroni goal against Inter Milan at the San Siro in 1967 is still regarded as one of the best goals of all time Italian league. How not against team tactics catenaccio pioneers who were experiencing the boom years under legendary coach Helenio Herrera, Meroni expertly past the obstacles Giacinto Fachetti, the best defender in the period before the Italian goalkeeper Giuliano Sarti. The player who plays on the right wing and is identical with the number 7 also has a handsome face and attractive appearance that makes the weather was crazy about him. Longish hair and beard style band The Beatles is a unique style he has always maintained that its flagship. At the 1966 World Cup, Italy's coaching staff asked Meroni shave if you want to play. Meroni firmly rejected. He was sidelined for the match against North Korea. North Korea won the match with the score 1-0 it ended up being one of the most surprising victory in World Cup history, as well as the most humiliating defeat suffered by the Italian national team. Not only reflected in the stylish appearance, Meroni does have high artistic soul. Since childhood, he was adept at painting, but chose football as a way of life. High artistic soul of his ability to paint he mix with sufficient physical strength, be a football player with a unique skill. One time, with his team mate Fabrizio Meroni Pelotti carelessly crossed a busy street in the crosswalk is not in the city of Turin. They wanted to go to the bar, celebrating a victory over Sampdoria some previous time. Naas, when they cross, two Fiat cars speeding then hit Meroni and Pelotti. Pelotti then survived, while most badly hit Meroni who did not survive. He died on the way to hospital. The impactor is a supporter Torino player who was then aged 19 years, Attilio Romero. He was released from the indictment because Meroni and Pelotti did not cross in the space provided. Surprisingly, 35 years later, Romero was appointed as president of Torino thanks to the success of his life plus his love of the team that became stronger after the tragedy. Meroni loss is a tragedy for the club Torino, as evoke sadness that occurs because the Superga tragedy in 1949. Tragedy that killed most of their players who are members of Il Grande Torino team, a team that had won the Italian league five times in a row in the 1940s. Meroni existence of such talented players in the team so they actually need, but God willing the other. Either do it or not, following the death Meroni Superga tragedy makes the greatness of the club's city rivals Juventus never returned. They are new to the league title 10 years after the death of Meroni, 1975. But after that, they never come back again as a championship team.