Puerta's death hit me hard

Hi everybody,

The day started today with  terrible news. I read this morning that Puerta, the Sevilla football player died. That was a very hard moment, when Benito told me this morning. I didn't want to know it was true, I could not believe it. It was terrible. Yesterday when we were coming back from the tournament to the hotel we were talking about him being in critical state (I don't know if you say it like this in English). I remember we were saying that he would be OK, that he was in a delicate situation but that in the end he would make it. My uncle Toni was saying that he was not well and we did not want to believe him. Unfortunately he was right. He was really bad. We probably wanted him to be better than what he was and unfortunately that has not been the case. When I heard it this morning I was shocked, really shocked and could not move for a few seconds. I didn't really meet him and never saw him personally. I did see him play and liked the way he performed. IT is terrible, really terrible. Poor guy. I imagine that the whole country is in shock.

So I really think that anything that I write/say today about what I have done it is simply stupid, not important, empty. I don't really feel explaining anything. Tomorrow I start my participation here in NY at the last Grand Slam event of the year. There is a lot at stake for the 2 or 3 guys that are up there. Both Roger and Djokovic have started well. I hope it is the same for me.

Believe me, it is not the right day for me to write. I am sorry. I hope that with the answers to your questions there is enough for you.

Thanks

Rafa

Comments

[sarah]

when i heard that Puerta had collapsed on saturday i kept on checking up for him on the news to see how he was doing....then when i found out he'd died i was truly gutted. Its horible. Its nice to know that it has affected more than just the football 'world' and its great Rafa that you can share your emotions with your fans....take care and be safe love xxxxx

[ilovemylife]

I am sorry for your sadness. It must be difficult to focus when you feel such deep sorrow.

I hope your knees are going to mend and you will be feel yourself again.

I was able only to watch part of your match today. I cheered when you got a point. And when I saw you weren't feeling your best I knew you must be disappointed. Take good care of yourself. Our love for you won't diminish. My best to you and your family.

[azzurre]

Hi Nadal...

Heard that your knee is injured.. Hope you get better and play better with each match! Good luck!

[Alexandra]

Hi, Rafa, i'm sorry for the guy who die because it's a great guy.But do your best for your tournament, because it's so importante for you!!!!!! We are with you !!!!
I know that your knee hurt but do your best!!!!We are here for YOU!!!
Te quiero mucho!!!
Alex

[Isabel]

Hello Rafa!
I understand completely how you feel. I heard about it last night and cried a long time. He was a great football player and I wish his family the best.
Thank you for still writing today, even if you didn't feel like it.
The best of luck for the rest of the Open,
Isabel

[Nicole]

Dear rafa,
Its terrible that such a young and talented person has died at that age.
I really understand you didnt feel like writing a blog, and I have the highest respect for you that you still manage to write down your feeling in such way for so many people.
It shows your heart is in the right place.
I offer my condolenses to his family, friends and all the people who cared him.

[Jillian Lynn]

Thanks for taking the time to blog today after hearing the terrible news about Puerta, like you said his death really puts everything into perspective. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends at the moment. I only hope you feel able to go out and play tonight and are not too upset. Never forget, your fans are always with you no matter what.
Lots of love & best wishes

[Manckenzie]

Thanks Rafa for those words about puerta..
I was shocked too and we completely understand the fact that you didn't want to write anything about your day..

Good luck for this tournament
VAMOS RAFA

[marie]

it is ok Rafa, life has its way of putting things into perspective, Puerta is such a young man and a soon to be father, Spain and the whole football community and fans is in mourning. Good luck Rafa in the US Open and God Bless,

[mark]

It was a terrible shock. I remember the goal Puerta scored against Schalke04 that really epitomised the rise of Sevilla FC. I was crying yesterday when i heard. Puerta was a gentleman too.

Go out, win your match and dedicate it to Puerta and his family.

¡Aguanta Rafa!

[zola]

Rafa,
really sad news. I hope you can put this behind and concentrate on your game. Your country now needs some good news to be able to get over this tragedy.
Thanks for taking the time to write, although you don't feel allright today. You are a great person . Don't ever change.Good luck for today and the rest of the tournament.

[Nancy]

Rafael, Don't worry, what you write is always all right...
I understand you, what you are feeling.. I'm sorry for the guy, for all his friends... I know it's a terrible thing...
Anyway, Rafael, do you best... also for Puerta...
Vamos Campeon... We all believe in you...
italian Vb.com

[Dubravka]

Thank you for the blog even thought you were sad. Good luck today.

[Yulia]

Thanks, Rafa, for blog and answers!
Your fans are always with you, suporting you whatever happens. Good luck in the first round!

Vamos RAFA!!!!!

[Yvonne]

Thank you for taking the time to write those words about Puerta's tragic death. I'm sure that as a football fan and fellow Spaniard, his passing must be very upsetting. You are in the thoughts of all your fans at vamosbrigade.com
xxx

[David]

Hi Rafa, you have just show us that you are really a good guy.... Thanks anda good luck..

[Hilde]

How do you follow this sad news up?
I heard the news on the radio this morning. Courage and strength to the family and friends of Antonio Puerta. May he rest in peace.

Good luck, Rafa. Have a good start of the US Open!

[Bridget]

Thanks for sharing w/us and for being so open. You're a good soul and have quite the way with words. I didn't mind that it was a different blog; you weren't in the mood for the usual & that's OK. Good luck on your 1st round match-- win it for Puerta! <3