Football legend Fortunato Franco passes away

THE GOAN NETWORK | MAY 11, 2021, 12:28 AM IST
Football legend Fortunato Franco passes away

Fortunato Franco was a member of the 1962 Asian Games gold-winning football team.

Photo Credits: AIFF Media

MARGAO
Goan football legend Fortunato Franco, a member of the 1962 Asian Games gold medal-winning national team, died on Monday morning at a Victor Hospital after battling a coronavirus infection. He was 84 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

One of India's finest midfielders (half-back as per 1960s parlance), Franco was a part of Indian football's golden era between 1960-64. He was a part of the 1960 Rome Olympics squad but didn't get a game. However, he was an integral part of the 1962 Asiad gold-winning team in Jakarta.

He made 26 appearances for India, including the 1962 Asian Cup, where India finished runners-up, and silver and bronze medal-winning sides of 1964 and 1965 Merdeka Cup. But his best performance was in the 1962 Asian Games where Indian football witnessed its finest hour, beating South Korea 2-1 in the final in Jakarta in front of 100,000 people. While the more illustrious quartet of PK Banerjee, Chuni Goswami, Tulsidas Balaram and Jarnail Singh hogged the limelight, Franco would forever be remembered for providing the assist that enabled Jarnail to nod home the winner. He is Goa's only Olympian to date.

Born in 1937 in Colvale, Franco moved to Mumbai with his family at the age of six. He represented Maharashtra and captained the state team in the Santosh Trophy and played for Western Railways and Tata Football Club in Mumbai. He also represented Goan football giants Salgaocar. He played his best years for the powerful Tata FC in Mumbai. In fact, he worked in the company's public relations department for four decades before retiring in 1999.

He was probably the tallest name in Maharashtra football having captained the state for eight successive years between 1959 and 1966 in the Santosh Trophy and was the architect of their title triumph in 1964. During his last years in competitive football, he played for Salgaocar but a knee injury ended his career even before he was 30 years old.

Had Franco not retired from international football in 1965, many old-timers believe that he could have become India captain for the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok.

"It is devastating to hear that Mr Fortunato Franco is no more. He was a member of the Indian football's golden generation who played a stellar role in India helping India win the Gold Medal in 1962 Asian Games," AIFF president Patel said in his tribute. "His contribution to Indian Football can never be forgotten. I share the grief," he added.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also condoled Franco's demise. "The Indian Olympic Association condoles the demise of legendary footballer, former Team India midfielder Olympian and member of 1962 Jakarta Asian Games gold medal-winning team, Fortunato Franco.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and dear ones. May his soul find eternal peace." 

Many prominent personalities from all over the country paid glowing tributes to Franco. 

Former India captain Brahmanand Sankhwalkar remembered Franco as someone who spread positivity around him. “I have fond memories of meeting him on many occasions and the positivity he spread. May his soul rest in peace,” said Brahamanand. “He was a little upset that the government did not bestow the honour of Dhyan Chand Award for his service in football,” the Arjuna awardee recalled.

“I played under his tutelage at Tata Sports Club. He was a great human being and a very happy soul,” said former India defender Derrick Pereira. “It is a big loss to Indian football. He is one of the greatest footballers India has ever seen.”

Former India captain Mauricio Afonso called him “a great footballer”. “I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Franco as well as to the entire football fraternity. I had the privilege of meeting him at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and discuss football issues. His demise is a big loss to Indian football,” Afonso said. 

Shabir Ali, the former India striker, stated, “Franco's demise is a personal loss to me as he was my coach at Tata Sports Club in 1976. It will be difficult for the Indian football fraternity to fill the void left by him.”

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