Jere Virtanen’s activity saved Manchester United from an embarrassing problem.
Jere Virtanen (left), Jukka-Pekka Vuori and Riitta Forsman present the treasure to be loaned to Old Trafford. JERE VIRTANE’S HOME ALBUM
George Best is one of the best soccer players of all time.
– He seemed like a brass player who danced samba with balls on his feet. Best’s technical skill is second to none, Pele described his contemporaries.
Best was the first true superstar of football, whose movements were followed both on the field and especially off it.
– George inspired me when I was younger. I think we were very similar players – we had a knack for magic on the pitch, Diego Maradona would point to the addictions that tormented both.
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Best’s best playing years date back to the beginning of his career, when he broke into Manchester United’s lineup at just 17 years old. In a very short time, he rose to the very top of the sport. In 1968, the recent winner of the European Cup was awarded the Ballon d’Or of France Football magazine.
Leo Messi received the same award just over a week ago.
“Disgraceful”
Best, who passed away in 2005, marked exactly 60 years since his United debut this autumn. That’s why the club wanted to build an exhibition honoring the memory of the “Belfast Boy” in its own museum.
– It turned out that the museum didn’t have any of Best’s real jerseys. Best’s sister Barbara McNarry sent a plea on social media that someone help United now because this is disgraceful, Jere Virtanen times the starting point of the chain of events.
38-year-old Virtanen is one of Finland’s leading United authorities. His Helsinki Red Room attracted a large number of ex-players to the Hernesaari apartment building last fall, when a private museum containing approximately 35,000 objects was opened.
Virtanen knew that Tahdo, the sports museum operating at the Olympic Stadium, has the red number eight used by Best in the official match.
– I contacted (Director of Will) Jukka-Pekka Mountainwho in turn connected me (superintendent) Riitta Forsmanin with. They thought it would be a great thing if the shirt ended up at home for a while.
A memory from Old Trafford
Next weekend, Virtanen will loan the shirt to Old Trafford for a couple of years. It will be the highlight of the Best exhibition.
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Best’s shirt was on loan at the Valkeakoski football museum for a long time. Now it can go back home. JERE VIRTANE’S HOME ALBUM
United’s original problem was understandable, because even in the 1960s players did not change their shirts after matches. That’s why ex-players don’t have them in their own warehouses.
The opening round of the 1965 European Cup explains why the workers’ museum could now rush to the giant club’s aid. HJK, who made their Euro debut, were drawn against Manchester United.
The opening part of the Olympic Stadium ended with Klubi legenda Markku Peltoniemi after a half-volley bomb for the away team’s 3–2 victory. Best did not play in the match.
The second part was a mere formality. Best messed up the Klubi defense with two goals, and United marched on with a 6–0 victory (total goals 9–2).
18 years old Jarmo Lindahl wanted a souvenir from the trip to Old Trafford, so he asked Best, who was a year older, for a shirt for himself.
A couple of years later, Lindahl donated it to the Finnish Sports Museum. At that point, Best was already Pelé and Eusebio level superstar.
“Sweet Thing”
On Sunday, the shirt will return to its home in a festive manner. Former United players Wes Brown, Ben Thornley, Lee Martin and Russell Beardsmore receive special transport from Virtase.
– We play outside the stadium against the legends of the street football game, and the shirt is brought to it. Get chills because George Best is one of the toughest players of all time.
– This will be a really sweet thing, which will give Finland a lot of visibility, Virtanen says.
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Virtanen’s own Helsinki Red Room museum has around 35,000 items related to United. JERE VIRTANE’S HOME ALBUM
He has seen and experienced a lot in his United fan career. But it is clear that when George Best Calum– son, ex-spouse Angie and Ian-brothers are all praising the Helsinki native’s help for their loved one, it touches even Virta, who is hardened by the club’s current mess.
– This is also important to them, and they appreciate this dune. The fact that I get to be part of this story makes me infinitely humble
– He cherishes this for the rest of his life.