An open letter to Denilson (no, not that one)

By: Robert | October 1st, 2007

Dear Denilson,

I’m sorry; it’s just not working out for you in Dallas. We all know you mean well and we’ve seen through countless youtube video’s that you have plenty of talent on the pitch. Even as a Hoop we’ve seen hints of your wizardry on the ball, we love the “oohs” and “aahs” you’ve provided and fully appreciate the excitement you’ve brought to this team in your short time on the field, but it’s time to go.

The fake chips passes, the step-overs and the back heels are all things that are rarely, if ever, seen in this league but unfortunately there have been no results to match. I don’t remember who said it, but it has been like watching a magician wave his hand over the top hat on the table. We wait in earnest for you to drop your hand into the hat and pull out a rabbit. But there have been no little fuzzy animals for us to admire, simply the illusions of greatness to come.

If it makes you feel better, after you leave you can say the league wasn’t advanced enough for your game; that the joga bonito you perform is like nothing what’s seen in MLS and the team wasn’t ready for it. Please feel free to use that argument when your next employer asks why things didn’t work out in America, as much as we’d disagree we won’t argue, you’ve brought too much excitement to the fans over your career for us to bicker over such minor subtleties as the truth. We’ll always support you and will wish you no ill no matter where you decide to take your game but it has become obvious its time to move on.

Wherever you go good luck Denilson; I know normally in this part of the letter the writer says something like “its not you, its me,” and so I’ll try to do some of the same. You’re a fine player I just don’t think you can play at this level anymore. Hey, at least you can say you may have helped change some opinions of our fledgling league. Observers might say “if he couldn’t make it in MLS maybe there’s a little bit more talent here than I gave the league credit for.” So goodbye, because for you in Dallas the FC now stands for “Find another club.”

Signed,
The fans of FC Dallas

HOOPS PRIDE!

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