It has been proven once again that we do not learn from the past and that the great powers always find a reason to start a war. In military conflicts it is difficult to see what is really happening and when there is propaganda. TV stations at home and abroad come up with their own version of the truth, but they too often have a limited view of the real events and the machinations behind them.
Personally, I categorically disapprove of any form of violence, and my heart cries when I see innocent people – especially children – succumb to it. Wars only have losers, innocent people are the hardest hit.
In my football career I have had many colleagues who have experienced a war. Their stories made me think deeply about human actions. Selfishness often plays a role in people striving to rise to power. In a general sense you can say about world leaders that they live in a bubble, just like us (former) top athletes. They are far removed from the impact of their decisions, including now around the war in Ukraine.
Most Russians don’t want war. I hope everyone sees that difference
At the first attack from Russia I immediately thought of my dear friend Shevchenko, with whom I played at AC Milan. In Ukraine he has many family and friends. In the summer of 2021 he retired after five years as head coach of the national football team, and he can look back on fantastic results. Andrej was praised for the way he made his team play, and helped his country regain a respected position in the world rankings. Ukraine regained its confidence and made it difficult for even the largest countries, including the Dutch national team.
Shevchenko has invested heavily in his country. Not only financially but also morally and emotionally. Football hadn’t mattered for years, but it brought people back hope, joy and togetherness. Andrey Shevchenko is a great idol for young footballers. He created a beautiful and respectful atmosphere in his country around his sport. What a contrast to the current situation. Also in the knowledge that building always takes longer than tearing down. As much as he would now like to do something for his country, he can do little more than show support for his compatriots, especially on Instagram and Twitter. He does this in a safe environment, from England, where he lives with his family. But what a feeling of impotence must be in him.
UEFA has decided to move the Champions League final from St. Petersburg to Paris, Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday that he will not race in Russia – a day later the race in Sochi, in September this year, was announced. taken off the calendar. And so more athletes and sports organizations will speak out. Many athletes and sports enthusiasts will also be adversely affected by the Russian invasion, partly due to the increasing sanctions. We have no influence on those decisions to punish Russia. What we can do: if citizens are careful not to see all Russians as guilty for what is happening now. Most of them don’t want war. I hope everyone sees that distinction and that we can continue to interact peacefully as ordinary people.
Clarence Seedorf is a former football player. Now he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and guest speaker.
A version of this article also appeared in NRC Handelsblad on 26 February 2022
A version of this article also appeared in NRC on the morning of February 26, 2022
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