Today, on February 18, one of the greatest Italian and European footballers of all time, Roberto Baggio, celebrates his 50th birthday.
Starting his illustrious career in 1983 with the "Vicenza" club, the striker later wore the jerseys of "Fiorentina" and Turin's "Juventus" teams.
It was with the most famous "Serie A" team that he triumphed in the UEFA Cup final series in 1993, forcing Dortmund's "Borussia" to surrender with a total score of 6:1. His two goals later allowed him to win the prestigious personal prize - the "Golden Ball."
Having the nickname "Divine Ponytail," the sniper won the Italian championship in 1995, but had to move to "Milan," giving up his place in the club to the young Alessandro Del Piero.
In his debut season, together with George Weah, he led "Milan" to become the strongest team in the country. However, later the coach Arrigo Sacchi pushed the striker into the background - Baggio went to "Bologna."
In new colors in Bologna, the player earned a place in the 1998 World Cup. In the quarterfinals, the Italians had to play against the hosts, the French, and in the penalty shootout, Roberto stepped up first and erased the curse that haunted him for four years. However, Baggio's accurate shot did not help the "blues" to move forward (3:4).
It was in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil that the missed penalty kick is considered one of the most famous episodes of the Italian's career - Baggio, who played excellently in the tournament, was injured in the crucial match, and in the shootout, his shot flew over the crossbar (2:3).
At the end of his illustrious career, he also played for Milan's "Inter" and "Brescia" teams, with which he did not achieve notable victories.
Did you know that...
- In 1990, "Juventus" acquired R. Baggio from the "Fiorentina" team for a record amount in the world - 8 million pounds sterling.
- In 2002, he became the first Italian footballer over the age of 30 to score more than 300 goals in his career.
- According to goals scored in the national team, Baggio shares fourth place with Alessandro Del Piero - both have scored 27 goals.
- At the age of 23, he made his debut for the national team, participating in the 1990 World Cup. In front of his fans, Baggio helped the team to third place. His goal against Czechoslovakia is considered one of the most beautiful in the tournament's history.
