FERNANDO CRUZ, RIBEIRO E… SANTAMARIA

Graças à clabração do ARQUIVISTA, lá conseguimos chegar à fala cu Panayotis Todorya, mais conhecido por Santamaria quando passou per Fare, e pedimes-lhe que escrevesse umas palavrinhas sobre a sua passage plo Farense... Aqui têm:

I have had the opportunity in my life to travel to many different countries and as a result have forged some very close friendships.

I can tell you that the people in Faro are amongst the most hospitable and friendly in the world and my time in Faro has only good memories with the many friends I had at that time.

As for the fans .......they are awesome, they were always friendly towards me and made me feel welcome and for that I thank them.



In my time at Farense there were 2 different coaches:

One was Mr. Claudio Garcia and the other was Mr. Jose Augusto.

Two very contrasting individuals with very different technical ability and know-how.

One was calm, composed , methodical and knowledgeable, whilst the other had no interest in the team but only for his personal ego , to add to that personality limitation, he had absolutely no idea about coaching what so ever.

The good fans of Farense can make up their own decision as to who fits what description, I have just expressed my personal opinion.

The team.. I will start by saying that each and every one of my team mates was a true gentleman..a true sportsman in every meaning of the word.

In terms of talent and ability....I can say that all were particularly gifted players and knew the intimate and deep secrets of the ball.

At this level of professional football one needs to understand that every footballer is gifted, if one was to take Fernando Cruz or Ribeiiro or any other player of Farense at the time and select them to play for Real Madrid, I assure you they would step up and perform accordingly.

Getting to this level requires sacrifice, disciple, professionalism, hard work and talent, if one ends up playing for Benfica or not...well that is just ones destiny.

Farense at that time is not a just a football team...it was a family...I remember Mr. Fernando Barreta and all the other officials at the club who went out of their way to welcome me to the club.

I remember all the other coaches and often reflect at their commitment and dedication in the art of teaching.

It saddens me to hear that Farense went through this decline, but I remember optimistic as I remember the fans.

With your passion for the game and love for your team, I have no doubt that you have the power to make the lion roar once more.

After Farense I went on to play in Greece for 4 years.

Now I have a FACTORY in China and manufacture sporting goods and toys.

I will end by saying that I thank you all for the wonderful memories and wish you all the very best for the future.

"Santamaria"