– I learned about the happy news for me about a month before the results of the referendum were made public, – Ihor Belanov recalls. – Andriy Pinalov, who worked for Dynamo and France Football at the time, told me about it. It was during my stay in my hometown – Odesa. Already later, a group of people from the editorial office of this authoritative publication came to Ukraine to interview me and take pictures against the background of prominent places in Kyiv. Valery Lobanovsky then gave me a paternal hug and congratulated me on receiving such an honorable award. I remember he said to me then: “You rightly deserved this recognition. This year was yours.” My teammates also congratulated and cheered for me, in many ways it was thanks to them that I received the “Golden Ball”. There is also their merit in this prize.
– Have you ever been approached by lovers of valuable trophies or collectors with an offer to sell the “Golden Ball”?
– It happened, yes. But I can say only one thing about this: the topic is not even discussed. This prize was won by me at the cost of great efforts – both in training and in the game. So I won’t sell it for any money. For me, this is a priceless thing, it will remain for the children or serve for history. Let’s say, taking a decent place in a solid museum.
Earlier we reported that 39 years ago Igor Belanov became the winner of the Golden Ball.
Source: sport.ua