MARGAO
Former international footballer Anthony Rebello passed away after a prolonged illness at Goa Medical College and Hospital on Monday. He was 65 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.
One of the finest defenders of the 1970s and 1980s, Rebello represented India twice in international tournaments. In 1982, he was part of the India squad for the Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur, followed by the President’s Cup campaign in Seoul
Born on 24 June 1957, Rebello started his football career with Mandovi Shipyard FC and then played for Salgaocar as the main defender since 1977. He was part of Goa's Santosh Trophy-winning team which beat Bengal in 1983-84.
"The life of one we love is never lost. He was a great defender and a friend. May his soul rest in peace," said Anil Kamat of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
"Anthony Rebello passing away unexpectedly early in life is a sad day for football enthusiasts in the State who have seen his exploits on the field. His solid build and broad shoulders served as a natural bulwark against the best of rival strikers. He will go down in history as among the best defenders Goa has produced," said Elvis Gomes, former Goa Football Association president.
"I had the pleasure of sharing the same dressing room with him during my playing days for Salgaocar and the Goa State team, especially during the campaign for the 1984 Goa Santosh Trophy which Goa won," said Lector Mascarenhas, former international footballer.
"Goa has lost a gritty footballer. He was rock solid in defence when he played for Salgaocar, Goa and also for the national team," remarked Alvito D'Cunha, former India midfielder.
"A great team man, he always stood like a rock for his team and it was a joy to watch him play," said Walter Pereira, AIFF match commissioner and former FIFA assistant referee.
