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If I had to choose just one from the European football tournaments of 2005 as the most memorable and remarkable event, I would without hesitation choose the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and AC Milan, which took place in Istanbul in May. Although the penalty shootout - a merciless and brutal way to lose, in this match there was everything that makes football so interesting and exciting for millions of spectators in stadiums and in front of television screens: top technology and skill, plenty of goals, astonishing responses from the opponents, players willing to sacrifice everything for victory. Despite the incredible tension, everyone remained loyal to the principles of fair play. In many ways, this 50th European champions tournament greatly expanded the boundaries of football and can now serve as a guideline for us all in three levels: first, Liverpool's comeback showed that with determination and belief, much can be achieved, one just has to persevere and keep believing, despite all setbacks; meanwhile, Italian footballers demonstrated the ability not to be overwhelmed, to refocus and set tasks for themselves - starting very forcefully, later, when Liverpool equalized, players managed to get rid of confusion and chaos and move forward, though eventually losing. However, the final in Istanbul also showed that when the cost of defeat is enormous, when the prize is extraordinary and huge, players respect their opponents and their attitude towards them is sportsmanlike. In such circumstances, the biggest winner of all is football. This letter is not a moral lesson, it is simply a reminder and memory of the biggest and most important moments of these passing years, emphasizing that football, without a doubt, is much more than just an economic activity and fully deserves the efforts put into its popularization. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who in 2005 willingly spent their time and efforts serving football, not only on the field, but also in various football-related meetings and events. I am very grateful to my colleagues in the executive committee, UEFA committee members, advisors and all those who contributed to the success of football in the past year in their national federations, leagues, clubs, and other organizations. Thanks to them, football thrives, but - as the final in Istanbul taught us - there is nothing guaranteed or assured, and unfortunately, 2005 did not pass without examples of violence, racism, and greed. However, I do not want to end on a sad note. I am more inclined to emphasize the positive achievements of 2005. For example, the expansion of dialogue at all levels - with the European Union, federations, professional leagues, FIFPro*, clubs; the creation of our HatTrick aid program, as well as the solemn opening of many small football fields throughout Europe; the summer internship dialogue workshop, where many young people could experience the pleasure of working in this sport. I wish for 2006 that football brings you even more moments of joy. Lennart Johansson * FIFPro - a global organization representing professional footballers, unifying 40 national player associations (Lithuania is not a member)
