Marco van Basten will be missed

Saturday, Aug. 19, 1995 has to be considered a very sad day for all soccer fans and for all people who appreciate their fellow men as they are, despite nationality or skin color.

The Jakarta Post dealt with the matter as a simple Sports News item, without giving the story its due prominence.

The "miracle" didn't happen and the "gladiator," being tired of fighting, gave himself up to the evidence of facts. I'm referring to one of the greatest players in soccer history: Marco van Basten who decided to forsake soccer grounds.

For years and years I had the opportunity to see him play and I wonder how many generations will pass before people have the opportunity to see another player of Van Basten's caliber.

PIERO RONCI

Jakarta