The lighter side of Marco

Here’s a translated transcript of an interview with Marco van Basten. He seems to have a sense of humour.

NOS: I have to ask one more thing about fine collection. Is there a fine collection?

vBasten: No. Not yet.

NOS: But, what happens when someone is late.. Or does something they are not supposed to?

vBasten: Well..we discussed that last night..We plan to have them tell a joke.

NOS: A joke?

vBasten: Yes. If you’re late you have to tell a joke.

NOS: Seriously?

vBasten: That’s serious. Yes.

NOS: And this happens on the field? Or at breakfast?

vBasten: At dinner. The players aren’t really sitting around waiting for this. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to fine these guys real money.

NOS: And this has already happened?

vBasten: No. Not yet. To our surprise everyone has been on time. (Big Smile)

It’s a little wierd. It reminds me of some of my older really Dutch uncles who tell jokes and everyone sort of sits there looking around wondering if it really was a joke or what just happened.

^5 to Jan