Manchester City’s Cameroonian lion Marc Vivien Foe passed away 22 years ago today, at the criminally young age of just 28.
Marc Vivien Foe - gone but never forgotten.
Marc Vivien Foe - gone but never forgotten.
I remember coming home late from a gym session on a Thursday evening, switching on the TV and seeing a football match was live on the screen.
Cameroon were playing Colombia in the semi-final of the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup.
To me – as a City fan – it wasn’t of any particular interest, other than MVF featuring for Cameroon.
The Cameroonian Lion left an indelible mark, despite spending only one season at City.
The Cameroonian Lion left an indelible mark, despite spending only one season at City.
In 2002/03, he’d had a stellar season on loan from Lyon and there was every prospect he’d sign for City on a permanent basis – just in time for the switch from Maine Road to the new City of Manchester Stadium.
I’ll never forget the initial confusion and concern as MVF fell to the ground in the 72nd minute of the match.
Forever City's No 23, but 17 for his country.
Forever City's No 23, but 17 for his country.
The TV cameras captured him slumped in the centre circle – there’d been no contact with an opponent.
It soon became apparent something was wrong – seriously wrong – and the cameras moved away, as MVF received frantic medical attention.
After unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate him he was stretchered off the pitch.
Thousands upon thousands of City fans paid homage to their fallen hero.
Thousands upon thousands of City fans paid homage to their fallen hero.
Medics spent 45 minutes attempting to restart his heart, and although he was still alive upon arrival at Lyon’s Stade de Gerland medical centre, it was soon apparent his life had ebbed away
Later that evening came the devastating news emerged that he’d died.
An autopsy concluded that MVF’s death was heart related as it discovered evidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a hereditary condition known to increase the risk of sudden death during physical exercise.
Tens of thousands of City fans expressed their grief and sorrow descending on Maine Road to pay homage to their fallen hero. They laid laying flowers and pinned scarves and shirts outside the entrance to the Main Stand. Here was a player and a man who meant so much to so many.
Eternally City's Number 23.
Eternally City's Number 23.
As a mark of respect City retired MVF’s number 23 shirt – a unique gesture never bestowed upon any player in the history of the club, past or present.
That isn't the only factor which will forever distinguish Marc in the history books. He will always be remembered as the last City player to score at Maine Road.
MVF scores City's last ever goal at Maine Road.
MVF scores City's last ever goal at Maine Road.
Having already swept in a Nicolas Anelka pass to put City one up against Sunderland in the 35th minute, he polished off a 3-0 victory for a simple 80th minute tap in from a low cross by Djamel Belmadi.
Those present at the match on 21st April, 2003 - all 34,357 - would've no idea it would be the last goal scored by the home side at the old ground, before moving to the new stadium.
Described as a 'Gentle Giant' MVF was a favourite with the City fans.
Described as a 'Gentle Giant' MVF was a favourite with the City fans.
Similarly they - along with the rest of the football world - could never have envisaged the tragedy that would unfold 66 days later.
Marc Vivien Foe is ‘Gonna Live Forever’ in the hearts of the masses of Manchester City fans, those privileged to have seen him for one glorious season.
May you rest in peace Marc - gone but never forgotten.
Dedication…
Dedicated to a City fan – albeit not of Manchester, but Hull – fighting through the darkest of days, battling health challenges and determined to see brighter times ahead. This is for you Pete.
By David Walker
Twitter @ReadButNeverRed
@djwskyblu