Very touching scenes unfolded at the funeral of Mimi Domazos in the last “goodbye” of his family, the members of Panathinaikos and his friends.
In fact, a very emotional atmosphere was also created by the obituaries read by various members of the “green” family. One of them was the current captain of the team, Fotis Ioannidiswho reported:
“It is difficult for us younger people to talk about Mimi Domazos. We weren’t even born when he wore the shirt of Panathinaikos and our national team with the number “10”. But at the same time it is familiar to us to say a few words about our General. It is impossible for a footballer of our generation not to have heard descriptions from relatives or older players about the abilities of Mimi Domazos.
Just the fact that he was a leader and captain of the Panathinaikos team that competed in the Champions Cup final in 1971 really speaks volumes. He achieved a lot in his career, mainly he inspired many young people to love football, having him as their role model. His loss is huge for Greek football and our Panathinaikos. His path is a guide for all of us. He left unexpectedly, but he will never be forgotten.”
At the same time, Mr Vassilis Konstantinou said goodbye to his good friend, Mimi Domazowith a very moving speech:
“Mimi, our brother, our General, you surprised us the way you knew how to surprise the opponent, take the ball, kick it and send it into the net. Upon hearing the news that you entered the hospital we all thought you are strong, you will make it. But you surprised us once again when we heard that you made it, because we all know you were invincible. But unfortunately, in the fateful game, all of us, no matter how much strength we put in, no matter how much we fight, there is only one winner. You were fearless, unyielding in difficulties.
Passionate about winning, dignified and soft-spoken. You earned the respect of your competitors and opponents. Leoforos was filling up to see Domazos and the other children. You were disciplined in your goal and your whole life was football. “You have to be right, your life is measured” you used to tell us. And so you were, always correct and measured. Every Sunday people came to see you and they didn’t say “let’s go see Panathinaikos”, they said “let’s go see Domazos with his company”. You managed to make football an affair not only of the working class, but of everyone. Every day in training and games, we your teammates learned from you, we got strength from you when we saw you rush out on the field and tell us “Let’s go, we’re going to beat them, all together as a group”. It is this company and club that you led to the greatest honor ever achieved by a Greek team in 1971, in the Wembley saga.
Panathinaikos, with you as captain, reached the final of the Champions Cup, against Ajax. First of the first. Your reach made the fans go beyond the fans, you were accepted and admired by fans from all the teams in the world. You honored the jerseys of Panathinaikos, AEK and National Team. You were, are and will be a symbol of competitiveness and ethics in football and a source of inspiration for young athletes. Humble, principled and an athlete in every sense of the word. A legend who graced the Greek stadiums with his presence.
But for us, your friends, the children of the team, you are also our Mimis, our friend. You were one of our company, with our pranks, teasing and jokes. A friendship that has never been lost, because all of us, for years now, meet every Sunday at the stadiums where our team plays. Every time a teammate leaves, we feel something is missing. But now the gap will be big, because our General will be missing. And that hurts more. Now the stadium will be emptier. Because you filled it with your personality. You will remain immortal in our hearts and in the hearts of all fans. First of Panathinaikos, but also of the entire sports world.
Now, up there, wink at those you meet, just as you wink at us on the bench to cheer us on before the games. Good game in the vast field of heaven. Our deepest condolences to your loved ones, your wife Io, your daughters Popi, Urania and Evangelia. Have a good trip.”
His message, even though he was unable to attend the funeral due to health problems, was also sent by Antonis Antoniadishis former teammate Tamazou and his good friend.
“I refuse to accept that my true friend of 60 or so years, my big brother, my twin brother, is no longer with us. How do I go to Leoforo or OAKA by myself? How can I face the next empty seat that for 40 years we were side by side. This is how life brought me the “gunner” to live without his “General”, the “tall” without the “mythical short” in my remaining years. You are and will be the ultimate symbol not only of Panathinaikos but also of Greek football, no matter how many years pass”he detailed.
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
