Chapter 1 - Helder Xerxes

1970 World Cup Semifinals ...

The 90-minute battle of Italy and Germany ended in a 1-1 draw and the match went into overtime.

"Extra time is very tough for both teams and now Italy is 3-2 ahead against Germany. Germany is taking a corner kick at 110 minutes. Germany took a corner kick very quickly by passing. rose to the ball hit the head, the ball stayed in front of his mate Moller, Moller hit and gooooooolllll, gooooooollll, goooollllll. Germany brought the score to 3-3. "

"The audience in the stadium is almost crazy. German footballers are joining Moller"s joy of goals. Their coach keeps its cool. It was incredible gold. Let"s see what kind of match will await us?"

"Yes, Italy has started the match. Italy seems to be scattered. Why should they not disband? They unexpectedly conceded the goal. But what is that? Fachetto suddenly threw the ball to the left. Robert passes his opponent on the left with a body feint. He moves blankly to the left. He pulls the ball out of the ground. , Rivero is empty. Rivero hits the ground and gooooooool, goooool, gooooooool. Italy takes the lead again in just 1 minute.

"And the referee blew the whistle that ended the match. Italy at the World Cup Final. German footballers threw themselves on the ground with the final whistle of the match."

"Especially Germany"s goalkeeper Xerxes looks disbanded. He"s still not up to date. We can clearly see that he was crying. He had a great tournament, but here is football full of miracles."

"He stands up slowly and looks towards the sky ..."

"Really, football is nothing but a tragedy for the loser."

"Considering the age of Helder Xerxes, unfortunately, there will be no more chance for him. He had already announced at the press conference that he would retire at the end of the tournament."

"Let"s see what time will show for both Xerxes and Germany?"

***

1970 World Cup 3rd Match...

"Germany wins the match 1-0 against Uruguay and finishes the tournament 3rd ..."

At the end of the match, all the announcers are waiting for the captain of the team, Helder Xerxes. Helder Xerxes, very calmly and proudly in his eyes, comes to the announcers.

Dozens of questions are asked without waiting and with curiosity. Helder Xerxes, on the other hand, thanks to the members of the press for coming first and starts to speak.

"Considering my age, the only thing I have won in my life was the World Cup. We worked so hard for him, but unfortunately, we failed, all I can say for this is very sorry. I am finishing my football career here and retiring. Thank you to my fans and the whole football community ..."

***

Nowadays…

"I wish it was a beautiful dream, but sadly it ended with a nightmare. I saw that damn match again. I still get more upset when I think of the mug that slips through my hand. Only 4 years after me, Germany won the trophy and I just watched them on TV. Was my retirement the right decision? I am not sure. Maybe that"s the only point I regret. "

Xerxes was in the hospital.

Maybe he would soon take his last breath, but still, all he was thinking about was football.

Football was his childhood, youth, and old age.

In short, his whole life was football.

But now it was all over.

Unfortunately, Xerxes, who will be a great loss for the football community, gave his last breath alone in the hospital. There was nobody with him.

After his retirement, he gave himself alcohol and cigarettes due to the tournament he lost. That"s why his lungs had gone bankrupt.

He did not marry or even had a girlfriend throughout his life. This too was painful for him. He was obsessed with a mug and ruined his life.

What if there was one more chance?

Whether no one heard or knew, Xerxes had said the following before taking his last breath...

"It doesn"t matter what time frame it is, I wish only one chance and I will win that trophy that I haven"t won in my life. I will not even put cigarettes or alcohol in my mouth. And I will be happy. I will never exhaust myself. I will be respectful to my competitors as always. This is my promise to myself. I want one chance, just one chance… "

Xerxes gave his last breath after these words ...

***

"Ah .. what a sweet baby…"

"It looks just like me."

"Oh come on, you took your eyes from me, you see it too."

"I know my life, I"m just kidding."

A minute…

Do these people call me a baby?

Are you young people aware of who you are talking to? Isn"t it a shame to talk to an old man like that?

Ha?

Why are my hands so small?

The chance he wanted had been given to him...