sic transit gloria.

[of_doom]

I don't read Sid Lowe's Guardian column as often as I should, but this one caught my eye: The end is nigh for a player unable to cross great divideIt's about Roman, and it has sparked some intense debate in the comment section, which is worth a read-through. Lowe's account includes some fairly lurid details about his downfall at Villarreal, and

Comments

[miman]

If that statement about his dad is true, and even if it isn't, Roman has had an extra-ordinarily difficult personal and professional life. Also, he is extremely private and introverted, and...his style of playing, where his lack of pace is made up by that uncanny ability to read the field and dictate play, is slowly going out of favour in Europe. I do not agree with Sid. And what you say is true...we will never understand Roman, or the path his career has taken. Neverthless, the entire bog saddens me....and I feel vindicated by the people who defended him.
And Sid does a fine job of softening his stance in his final response.

[aviz]

Hmm. Great analysis. I've always been intrigued and dismayed, and even rather touched, by turns by Roman. He's such a difficult, laconic character. And at the same time, I cannot say that I pity him, he's been given so many opportunities only to let them slip away from him and he creates most of his problems. He attracts them like a magnet...

[standstraight]

You have made it clear to me, that it is unexplainably painful for me that the less I know of Roman, the more I want to know about him, and I look to everything the press brings, only to have to remind myself that these are merely superficial situations and I will never, ever be able to understand him at all.

[isasolan]

Heh, I'm surprised you're quoting The Guardian and not a Spanish newspaper, xD. The article said nothing I didn't know, but it still makes me sad. Last I heard (yesterday?), he told Roig he wants to stay in the club. I hope it works out for the best for Roman, whatever that may be. I mean, if he feels like quiting because (hypothetically) it makes him miserable to play, then so be it. Or whatever. I wish he'd play again, really.