Is Hamilton the next Schumacher?

Some say he is the next Michael Schumacher. Some say he has the characteristics to be the next Schumacher. But for me there was and will be only one Schumi just like there was only one Ayrton Senna. Well, I am obviously talking about the much hyped future of F1, Lewis Hamilton.

The Brit driver has taken the world by storm and the comparisons are inevitable, just like they were when Schumi ruled the circuit. But as a person (like many in this world) who started recognizing the sport because of Schumi and not the other way round (before I started following the sport), likening Hamilton to the record 7 time world champion is annoying. Although the 22 yr old has done enough to prove he has the makings of a great driver (8 podium finishes in 8 races in debut season), his journey has just begun and he obviously has a long way to go. I would however agree that the Brit driver has added spice and competitive edge to a sport which many including me thought would decline post the Schumi era.

But, one thing that crosses my mind is that Senna died in a car crash the same year (1994) when Schumi won his first drivers’ championship (Senna had won the championship in 1991 when the German driver made his debut). We were surely deprived of what could have been a great battle between two champion drivers for whom nothing mattered more, than winning. And again Schumi retired just a season before Hamilton made his debut.

Is this a mere co-incidence or destiny? Well, destiny I say, because maybe Senna died so that a Schumacher could be born and Schumi retired so that a Hamilton could be born. So, maybe, just maybe, Hamilton is not meant to be the next Schumi, but in the league of extraordinary gentlemen comprising the likes of Senna and Schumi. And, may be, just may be, my prediction may come true!

Is Kaka going to Real?

AC Milan have been quick to respond to reports of Kaka expressing his desire to leave San Siro for Real Madrid. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani insisted on the club’s official website (www.acmilan.com) on Monday that the Brazilian playmaker will be a Milan player next season. Galliani said Kaka will be there with the rest of the team when the pre-season training begins on July 23rd and will also play in the European Super Cup final against Sevilla in August followed by the world club Championship in December.

Now, would someone please explain to me why a player of Kaka’s caliber is so adamant on going to Real. Given, Real has a glorious past and can make any club look smaller when compared to its history. But, what matters most is the recent record. Ronaldo, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo are all names to reckon with and were infact bigger stars before they made the dreaded choice of becoming a part of the famous Galacticos which was touted as the dream team but failed to conquer anything but people’s imagination. All the stars mentioned above departed Bernabeu on a sad note. More recently, coach Fabio Capello helped the club end its 3 yr drought by winning La Liga title. Expecting him to get a big reward, oh no…the poor guy was sacked. The reason…Well, the fans didn’t like his game plan and style of play as told by Mr. President..Ramon Calderon. Well, the saving grace is the 6 million euros compensation Capello will receive from the club. This is the respect or tribute the great club gives the people associated with it.

Moving on to Milan. The Italian club is also one of the most successful clubs but what makes it stand out is the support it gives to players. Their legendary captain Paolo Maldini recently turned 38 and is obviously past his peak but the club offered him a 1 yr contract extension. Interestingly, Maldini had announced his decision to retire after the last season. Another live example is striker Andriy Shevchenko. The Ukrainian international was one of the most dreaded players and was considered the best in business by many. Sheva has obviously not reached even 1/10th of his form after a move to Chelsea last season. Despite the shift in loyalties, Milan has publicly announced that its doors are always open for Sheva and they will only be too happy to take him back.

So, Real might have the money…(they offered 50 million pounds for Kaka which is the most expensive in football history) but Milan can offer a player much more.
Why I am especially focusing on Kaka is because of all that I have read about him and his way of living which is way above an average footballer. A religious and spiritual player like Kaka would look beyond money. If it’s the challenge of playing in a different league with a different team…my gut feeling says he should wait for another 2-3 seasons….after all he’s only 25!