Nachrufe aus Europa

Hier sind die versprochenen Antworten von unseren Freunden aus England, Frankreich, Madrid und Prag.


David

Morning Thomas,

I was shocked and saddened to read your very sad news about Frankie. In many ways, he was also a father figure for the teams in the International Tournament as he was always there, smiling at everyone and hugging those within reach. I have so many happy memories of him: his hair blowing in the wind as he chased the ball; his energy as he ran around; his sparkling eyes; and his singing. I can close my eyes and hear him now, playing his guitar and singing solo songs or leading the choir.

I believe he loved his singing, playing his football and being with his team. The memories are happy ones but saddened by the knowledge that they will not be repeated in reality. The next time we all meet together will be very, very strange as his presence will not be there. But his spirit will still be with us and I am sure we shall all remember him in an appropriate and moving way.

I have not told our team yet, but I will do. But they will agree with me that we would like to do something here to honour his passing. And we shall, make no mistake about that. Also, would it be appropriate to send his wife some flowers to express our sadness. I am not sure if that would be the right thing to do so please let me know what you think. In the meantime, please pass our condolences to his wife and family. We shall be thinking of you all at this very sad time.

It was always a real pleasure to play football with Frankie‘ to sing with him and to smile with him. These happy memories will not go away.

Take care,

David

Trevor

Thank you for your sad but beautiful message Thomas. Your good friend Frank would have loved it and been proud of it. Those of us who have been involved with the Tournament since it began with the exchanges between Have we Got Enough and Ajax will remember Frank very clearly and, like you, we will miss him. His passing is a reminder to us all that we have a duty to continue as long as we can. Carpe Diem. You know that better than most Thomas.
Please give our condolences to Frank’s family and be assured we think of you all in these difficult moments.
Take care, love to all,
Trevor, Catherine, family and friends of football.


Julio
Dear Thomas,
reading your words I have felt very sad about this terribly hard news. Frank was a very dear person to me too and I was always very happy to meet him. It is certainly a great loss. I keep the memory of his great humanity and his contagious joy of living.
Please convey our condolences to his family on behalf of me and all my soccer friends. Rest in peace.
A big hug to all of you,
Julio


Petr (Pitbul)
Dear Thomas,

I can’t believe what you’re writing. Frankie was a great friend of mine and all my football friends. There are not many people who would impress me with their nature, cheerfulness and joy of life. Frankie was just a star. I often thought during the lockdown and was looking forward to meeting on the pitch, on the switch, as well as in the evening at a beer pub.
Nice to see you all again, and Frankie will be cheering for us from above. So we score a few goals for Frankie.
Please convey our condolences to his family on behalf of me and all Prague friends. Rest in peace.

Take Care

Petr Pitbul