Monrovia – Liberty Party’s political leader Charles Walker Brumskine was among scores of Liberians throwing birthday greetings to George Weah’s doorsteps Saturday.
“Happy Birthday to my friend and brother Senator George Weah. “
Thank you for your commitment and love to the country we all love. We may be from two different political institutions, but we share one common vision. You are a good man!”, Brumskine chimed.
Weah, the only ever African player to win the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards, retired from football reached the Golden Jubiliee mark but the journey to the top was not easy as he told Italian daily, La Gazzetta Dello Sport:
“I had a very difficult life, as at times we didn’t even have any food, but I don’t like to look back on that. I no longer have my mother, my father or my grandmother: I look to the future,” the politician told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Thank God I reached the age of 50, so now I hope for good health, which is not easy. I want to work for my country and the Liberian people, to be at the service of mankind.
On the Social Media, Facebook, fans and well-wishers wished Weah well. Korto Williams recalled her first encounter with Mr. Weah, long before his sojourn into Europe:
“I met George Weah for the first time…when he was preparing to go to Cameroon.
I think it was his first international gig. My ma worked at the passport division, foreign affairs and knew i could give a leg to see Manneh.
She told me he was coming to pick up his passport. I got up early abd ironed my favorite white shirt and blue pants…properly. Then went to the ministry and waited to hear his name being called for the pickup. He got up for his book; and i got up with my autograph book ( I am old. He signed it and i had joy until i lost my book in 1990.”
Obo Effanga boasted: “In 1995, George Weah was 1. African Footballer of the Year; 2. European Footballer of the Year and 3. World Footballer of the Year. Nobody else has held such record.”
Weah who turned to politics since hanging up his boots is never short of critics be it opposing politicians or in some cases, people who actually hits his guts.
“What did George Weah do for Liberia specifically other than his own soccer glories,” Alex Jator writes.
For every critic, there are others like Richelle Harris showering his praise: “Yes it’s a lot of journey @ 50. Give the man his flowers while he is yet alive, no matter what, he has been or still is an icon. Happy 50 birthday Manneh.”
Mulbah Morlu, one of the CDC’s progressive leaders wrote: “The Masses Wish You, a Happy, Happy birthday, King George; Today you turn 50, & that’s many decades of great National leadership without which Liberia would not sustain the peace that it enjoys today.
You’re a true patriot, a great inspirational leader & we’re proud to have you as leader of the Mighty Congress for Democratic Change; On behalf of our hundreds of thousands of partisans in & out of Liberia, we extend heartfelt Birthday greetings.
May the Lord increase your days on earth, keep you healthy, strong, grant you the ‘Wisdom of Solomon’, & make the sky your pick-up point of extensive, unprecedented success. Many CDCIANS are now making preparations to celebrate this great moment in their homes, work & business places. Happy Fiftieth Birthday, a National Jubilee Moment, not just for you Sir, but for all Mighty CDCIANS…”
Wes Smith praised the football legend for a different reason, “for helping to bring peace to Liberia….a peace that Liberians and friends of Liberia continue to enjoy today.
During the 1990’s, when we were the victims of bottomless hatred during our nation’s darkest hours, there was a light and glow that shine, inspiring an entire generation of Liberians. That light was no other person, but George Manneh Weah, a favorite son of Liberia.
As you celebrate 50 years on this good earth, thanks again for the wonderful memories of your brilliance as a footballer, a statesman and your profound love for our homeland. Liberia will always deeply appreciate you for adding value to her name. Happy Birthday!”
While the jury is still out on Weah’s career in politics, his play on the field may never be duplicated or repeated.
Last week, his son, Timothy, 16, scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League, keeping the Weah name alive and drawing reminiscence of the Weah of old.
“I am very happy and I thank God for this fantastic player, my son. I hope he can grow up humble and become much better than I ever was. I pray when things go well and when they go badly or even just to thank God.
At the age of 22 I went to Monaco, won the Ballon d’Or and African Player of the Year award, and became a UNICEF ambassador, leader of a political party and ambassador of peace in my country. I also scored that goal running from my own penalty area against Verona. I do miss Italy and wish that country all the best.”