November 06, 2007

Platini, Falcao And Rivera Praise Liedholm

The long-list of tributes continue to pour in for Nils Liedholm, following the legend's death at the age of 85 yesterday.

Liedholm played for Milan from 1949 until 1961, winning four Scudetti during a glittering career. He was also a highly successful Coach, winning the Scudetto both with the Rossoneri in 1979, and Roma four years later.

"Nils Liedholm will remain for always in the memory of the great football family as an extraordinary human being, a great footballer and an illustrious coach," said UEFA President Michel Platini.

"On behalf of the whole of European football, I wish to convey my sincere and deepest condolences."

Former Brazil World Cup star Roberto Falcao, who won the Scudetto with Roma under Liedholm in 1983, was particularly sad to to hear of his former Coach's death.

"People like him should never pass away," Falcao said. "He was like a father to me. He knew how to love with altruism. He taught me so much. I owe him a lot."

The original 'Golden Boy' of Italian football, Gianni Rivera, who had Liedholm as a team-mate and Coach at Milan also remembered 'The Baron' with fondness.

"I remember that he did everything to put others at ease, both the young and older members of the group," said the 1969 Balon d'Or winner. "He was the first to make himself available to others to create the ideal atmosphere."

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