ROME – Comments from Simon STEWART (NIR) and Richard BERLIAQUE (GIB) during the group phase of the Veterans Category at the FISTF World Cup in Rome on Saturday.
Simon STEWART (NIR)
On his physical issues at the World Cup:
“I had Covid and unfortunately it’s led to some complications. My knee is swollen, I have some fluid in the knee and I’m on anti-coagulant injections. Hopefully it’s not a long-term problem, but it’s difficult.”
On why he decided to participate despite his knee problems:
“I’ve been waiting for a year to come here. I did think about maybe staying at home, but two reasons: one, personally, I want to come to the World Cup and I want to play – it’s been 20 years since I’ve played at a World Cup.
“But also my team, for the first time Northern Ireland have five players at a World Cup, so we actually have a full house of players. And I’m the captain, so as the captain I have to come and show my support and have some fun.”
On how his injury has limited him at the table:
“I noticed in my first two games, I was getting twinges and I was having to stop. But I have to say that the guys I’ve played so far, they’ve been fantastic. When they’ve seen me struggling to get back and limping, they’ve let me get back to get my goalkeeper.
“And that for me is what Subbuteo is all about. It’s about fairness. They’ve been fair and friendly and it’s been good so far.”
Richard BERLIAQUE (GIB)
On being the oldest player at the World Cup at 68 years, nine months:
“It’s an immense pleasure for me to be the oldest here playing in this tournament. At my age you don’t see many players.”
On how his age impacts his play:
“I have more experience but I get very tired, especially when you play, ref, play, ref – it’s too much for someone like me. I have to do it because it’s in the rules but it’s a bit harder for me than for the others. But I do it, I don’t mind.”
On raising the Veteran age from 45:
“It could be a good idea, why not? It might encourage other veterans to come in because when you’re 45 and you compete with (a player aged) 68, there’s about 23 years difference. So it would be a good idea to build up the category of Veterans and Open.”
FISTF News nl/spd