There are meetings that don't happen every day, and they are not forgotten. Hristo Stoichkov, who has long been part of football eternity, remembers his meeting with Pope Francis, who is a football fan. Born in Buenos Aires, the Holy Father grew up in neighborhoods where football is not just a sport, but life. Even as a boy, he was a fan of "San Lorenzo" - a team founded by a priest. His love for the game never left him, although in his youth he rarely played due to health problems.
As the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis never stops meeting with athletes and inspiring them. Three years ago, on the Vatican field, Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov became part of this inspiration.
Hristo Stoichkov has met many legends in his life, but what did he feel when he stood face to face with Pope Francis?
It was an exceptional day for me. This is a person who has contributed the most to peace, respect, and love in recent years. He never divided people. It was a privilege for me to be in the Vatican. To have the chance to present him with even a modest gift - a copy of the Golden Ball, which made him very happy. A great personality! A man who loved sports has passed away. We always strived to be close to him when he invited us to a charity match, like the last time we were in Rome to play in memory of Maradona. He gave each of us a special ball. I also have another special gift from him with his signature. I have the shirt from the match. These are things that remain in the Hall of Fame. He was a great man. Extremely kind, sincere. A man who loved people.
Do you remember what your first words to each other were?
You can't remember ... words to each other. I gave him the ball and he was very happy. We looked into each other's eyes and that was enough.
If you could say something to him now that you couldn't then, what would it be?
Just one word - thank you! Thank you for the big heart that you have for every single person. I think that's enough.
The Pope was Argentine. Quite naturally, given his origin, he loved football. He had a favorite local team. Have you ever talked about football?
I think that like every Argentine, he was proud that Argentina became world champion. You know how many times Maradona has been to him. A man who started from Argentina and reached the most prestigious place in his career. A football lover – you know, "San Lorenzo" is close to his heart. In general, I would say that he loved every sport – not just football.
Athletes often trust in God. What is faith for you? What does it give you?
I am a big believer! Of course, people need to believe. Faith gives you drive, victories. When we were in Rome and we were alone with him, just athletes, he said: “Believe and succeed!” These are his words.
When was the last time he prayed truly, from the heart, and what was the prayer about?
Every morning. To be healthy. If something hurts me, I pray that it doesn't hurt me – it's not a good job.
Do you think a person has to reach the top to discover how important faith is or do they need it most before they reach it?
First you have to believe, and when you believe and follow your dreams, everything comes by itself. I've been like that since I was little. I believed that one day I would reach the highest step. I followed my dreams and that's why I'm proud of where I've come.