Lubański, Bralczyk sign up as Friends of EURO
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Article summary
Włodzimierz Lubański, Poland's all-time top scorer, said he has a special job to do after being named a Friend of UEFA EURO 2012 along with renowned academic Jerzy Bralczyk.
Article top media content
Article body
Former Polish international Włodzimierz Lubański and renowned linguist Jerzy Bralczyk were presented as Poland's newest Friends of UEFA EURO 2012 – "a unique opportunity" for the pair who looked forward to their country co-hosting the finals with Ukraine.
Poland and Ukraine will nominate up to 100 Friends of EURO each to help promote the event, and Lubański and Bralczyk were unveiled as Poland's fifth and sixth representatives by Polish tournament director Adam Olkowicz on the television programme Kawa czy Herbata (Tea or Coffee).
"I never had the chance to play at the UEFA European Championship but as a Friend of EURO I am looking forward to 2012 with great pleasure," Lubański told UEFA.com. "I have a special task ahead of me, because promoting the tournament is a unique opportunity in my life."
Former striker Lubański represents the 1970s golden era of Polish football. He was capped 75 times by his country and scored a national-record 48 goals. His figures would be more impressive still had he not missed the 1974 FIFA World Cup through injury – Poland finished third.
The 63-year-old, who played the majority of his career at Górnik Zabrze and KSC Lokeren OV, was also voted the golden player of the Polish Football Federation (PZPN) to mark UEFA's 50th anniversary in 2004.
"I am confident UEFA EURO 2012 will be a huge success, especially for Polish football fans," Lubański said. "I am sure there will be hundreds of thousands of optimistic people filling the venues, singing the national anthem and supporting the home team. I remember when UEFA awarded the EURO to Poland and Ukraine; I felt my heart pound as [UEFA president] Michel Platini revealed the names of the host countries."
Jerzy Bralczyk, a well-known academic and broadcaster, added: "UEFA EURO 2012 will enhance the relationship between Poland and Ukraine. As a linguist I can point out that it is highly important to speak well about football and our neighbouring country. Even though I didn't play football myself I was always a big fan of the game."
