Luis García Reflects on Emotional Return to Football with Johor Darul Ta’zim
Former Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid star Luis García discusses his unexpected emotional reconnection with professional football while serving as chief executive for Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim. Although he retired in 2016 believing he had left the intense pressure and passion of the sport behind, García found himself moved to tears when his team achieved a historic milestone by reaching the Asian Champions League quarter-finals. The article highlights his journey from a competitive player to an executive role, detailing the shared experiences and long travels with the squad that reignited his deep emotional ties to the game. García also reminisces about his playing career, including the iconic 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul and his time at Anfield. He shares anecdotes about former teammates like Steven Gerrard and Ronaldinho, illustrating his enduring love for football. Currently dividing his time between Madrid and Malaysia, García remains closely connected to the sport, watching former clubs compete in Europe while guiding Johor Darul Ta’zim through their groundbreaking continental campaign.
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Luis García Reflects on Emotional Return to Football with Johor Darul Ta’zim
Former Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid star Luis García discusses his unexpected emotional reconnection with professional football while serving as chief executive for Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim. Although he retired in 2016 believing he had left the intense pressure and passion of the sport behind, García found himself moved to tears when his team achieved a historic milestone by reaching the Asian Champions League quarter-finals. The article highlights his journey from a competitive player to an executive role, detailing the shared experiences and long travels with the squad that reignited his deep emotional ties to the game. García also reminisces about his playing career, including the iconic 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul and his time at Anfield. He shares anecdotes about former teammates like Steven Gerrard and Ronaldinho, illustrating his enduring love for football. Currently dividing his time between Madrid and Malaysia, García remains closely connected to the sport, watching former clubs compete in Europe while guiding Johor Darul Ta’zim through their groundbreaking continental campaign.
The Guardian