We need dedicated players, not prima donnas

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Representing your country in whatever field you are so qualified to do must be one of the greatest achievements that can be bestowed on an individual. Doing so in sports at the international level is even more daunting, because the spotlight of the world is shining not just on the individual but on his/her country as well.

Take the popular sport of football as an example. Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing in EURO2024, says the chance to represent his country Portugal, the love of his life, at the age of 39, is a gift. He said this ahead of his 11th major international tournament and his sixth Euro. Lionel Messi, born in Argentina, but who moved to Spain at the age of 13, refused to represent Spain, although qualified so to do. He said his commitment is always to represent his country of birth. At the age of 36, he has been doing so still, and currently helping Argentina to defend the COPA America trophy. Ronaldo and Messi are superstars in world football.

It is very sad that one of Jamaica’s promising players, Leon Bailey, who plays professionally for English Premier League club Aston Villa, refused to represent his country in the COPA America tournament. He needs to have a talk with Jamaica’s great sportsmen and sportswomen and, if granted audience, talk with some of the greats in world sports. He would be told that, as a sportsman or sportswoman, there is no greater honour than to be called to represent their country.

I therefore support the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) in suspending the selection of Bailey to the senior men’s team. Win, lose or draw, this is the best decision made. What we need are dedicated players, and not prima donnas, who are likely to cause disruption in a cohesive team. We hope that those who have been given the opportunity to fill the void would accept the opportunity with both hands and take Jamaican football to greater heights.

HUBERT MCINTYRE

Montego Bay