From fierce defender to cancer survivor, Sebino Nela reflects on a life shaped by football, family, and an unwavering will to endure.
In the annals of Italian football, certain names resonate with an almost mythical quality. Sebino Nela is one such name. Known for his unwavering tenacity on the field, particularly during his celebrated tenure with AS Roma, Nela carved out a reputation as a defender who embodied grit. Yet, as he reveals in candid reflections, the battles fought on the green expanse were but a prelude to the more profound struggles, and triumphs, that would define the man beneath the jersey.
From Gritty Pitches to Serie A Glory
Nela`s journey into professional football was far from glamorous. A self-professed Genoa fan, he was initially deemed too slight, his early days spent on dusty, unpaved pitches, a stark contrast to the manicured turf of modern stadiums. It took a quiet «recommendation» – a common thread in the fabric of many an underdog story – to open the doors. His ascent, however, was purely his own making, fueled by relentless dedication and profound family sacrifice. He recounts long hours balancing school, training, and helping his parents in their restaurant, studying well past midnight.
«My father always worked 18 hours a day in the kitchen. My mother wouldn`t buy stockings for herself so I could have football boots.»
Such tales of humble beginnings often pave the way for extraordinary achievements. For Nela, it culminated in signing his first contract with Roma, a moment that brought his father to tears and allowed his parents to finally step away from their arduous labor. It was with Roma that Sebino truly became Sebino – the player nicknamed «Picchia Sebino» (Hit `em, Sebino), a moniker he clarifies was not about violence, but about his indomitable spirit and stubborn refusal to concede ground.
The Roma Era: Scudetto Dreams and Lingering Regrets
The capital city embraced Nela, and he, in turn, became synonymous with a golden era for the Giallorossi. The 1983 Scudetto remains a cherished memory, a testament to a formidable team and an electric atmosphere. Roma, Nela quickly understood, was more than just a club; it was a way of life, its intense rivalries only serving to double his energy on the pitch. Yet, even glory has its shadows.
The pain of the European Cup final loss to Liverpool the following year still echoes. Nela admits a moment of hesitation, passing a good ball to Graziani when he perhaps should have shot. Interestingly, he found that defeat easier to digest than the league loss to Lecce two years later, which cost Roma another Scudetto. And then there`s the legend himself, Falcao. While Nela praises the Brazilian as «a wonderful person,» he candidly admits disappointment over Falcao`s decision not to take a penalty in that fateful Liverpool final, a regret Falcao himself reportedly came to share years later.
The Man Beyond the Game: Music, Memoir, and Maori Dreams
Beyond the stadium`s roar, Sebino Nela reveals a man of diverse interests and introspective depth. His autobiography, «Il vento in faccia e la tempesta nel cuore» (The Wind in the Face and the Storm in the Heart), deliberately shies away from salacious anecdotes, focusing instead on «Sebastiano,» the private individual. It`s a reflection of his inherent shyness, a trait perhaps masked by his on-field persona.
Music also holds a special place. Antonello Venditti, a celebrated Roman singer-songwriter, famously dedicated the song «Correndo Correndo» (Running, Running) to him. Nela listens to it daily, a poignant reminder of a different kind of heroism. His disdain for the modern Sanremo Music Festival, which he views as more political show than musical celebration, offers a small, dry insight into his values, preferring the timeless melodies of Patty Pravo and Battisti sung by today`s youth.
His current aspirations are equally intriguing: a desire to converse with a Maori in New Zealand, a fascination with politics and geopolitics, and a quiet enjoyment of chess and seaside strolls along the Lazio coast. These are the pursuits of a man who has lived intensely and now savors life`s deeper currents.
The Ultimate Battle: Confronting Cancer with Fortitude
The most profound chapter of Nela`s life, however, unfolds away from the public eye: his battle with colon cancer. He discusses it with an unflinching honesty, refusing to sugarcoat the pain. Enduring five-hour bouts of nightly stomach pain during chemotherapy, he approached recovery with the same strategic mindset he once applied to football matches: setting small, achievable goals, reducing the bathroom time incrementally. «It worked,» he notes, with a quiet triumph.
Yet, there`s a wry, almost ironic, observation that underscores his humility. When people remark that his strong physique meant he was destined to beat the disease, Nela gently but firmly pushes back. «And what about all the colleagues I lost?» he asks, listing Vincenzo D`Amico, Paolo Rossi, Sinisa Mihajlovic, and Gianluca Vialli – legends all, taken too soon. «The only difference between me and them is that I was more fortunate.» This sentiment is particularly poignant given his family`s tragic history with cancer, having lost his father, a brother, and a sister, while another sister has lived with the disease for 14 years. It’s a stark reminder that even the strongest among us owe a debt to chance.
A Legacy of Resilience
Sebino Nela`s story is a compelling tapestry woven with threads of grit, glory, vulnerability, and immense strength. He is a testament to the idea that a life well-lived is not merely about achieving peak performance, but about how one confronts adversity, cherishes family, and maintains an authentic spirit. His current perspectives on Serie A – Napoli`s chances, Inter`s playing style, Milan as a wildcard, and Roma`s top-four aspirations – show he remains connected to the game, but his ultimate focus has shifted. His enduring legacy is not just in the trophies lifted or the tackles made, but in the profound human story of perseverance against life`s most challenging opponents.
Gideon Holt