Remembering… Michel Platini

Before he became UEFA President and often figure of controversy and ridicule in Britain, Michel Platini was one of the best midfielders’ ever to grace the beautiful game. Regardless of how some perceive him today we should not overlook the incredible career he had that took him from Nancy to Saint-Étienne and then onto Italian giants Juventus where he is perhaps most remembered.

Between 1982-85 he was Serie A top scorer despite playing effectively from midfield and cemented his place in footballing history by being voted European Footballer of the Year for 3 consecutive seasons (1983-85). A free kick and passing specialist he is widely regarded as perhaps the best set piece taker in history and few would disagree that he is, if not the best, certainly one of the best.

Michel Platini

Internationally he played a French team that captured the 1984 European Championship and it is perhaps on this stage in this tournamant that he is remembered by most to be at the peak of his career. Captain, 9 goals, two perfect hat-tricks and a goal in the final made sure that Platini would be remembered among the games greats. As a report from The Times explains from an international against Italy in 1982:

Platini…was in complete control of the midfield…scored once and saw another shot hit the crossbar

“In complete control of the midfield” would become the norm for his illustrious career. Whatever our views are on Platini we should perhaps sometimes focus entirely on this playing career and appreciate the immense and rare talent that he was.

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