Two weeks ago, members of the ‘Singapore Lazio Supporters group’ were invited to the Italian Embassy in Singapore, for an impromptu meeting with the Ambassador of Italy, his Excellency, Mr. Felicani.
The owner of ‘Sapore Italiano’, Andrea, first introduced us to the Ambassador at his restaurant, during the World Cup match between Italy and New Zealand.
Before we were introduced to the ambassador at the restaurant, I was having this conversation with my friend, Stefano.
“What do you think? You think he knows about football?” I asked.
“I think he knows nothing about Lazio.” Stefano added.
Shortly after, we were left eating our own words, as it turn out that he is a big fan of Lazio! Hahaha...
My first impression of the Ambassador was he is handsome, very humble, extremely friendly, and very knowledgeable and passionate about La Lazio! Stefano and I were further blown away, when he told us that his late-father used to play for Lazio in the 30s, and that he had played with the legendary Silvio Piola.
His late-father’s name is Renzo Felicani, and his uncle who also played for Lazio, and whom I managed to find information on ‘LazioWiki’, is Pietro Felicani.
http://laziowiki.org/wiki/Felicani_Pietro
So the three of us, Darran, Stefano and myself were in the Ambassador’s office, as he took out his father’s old photo album. It feels like a magical tour back in time, as he showed us his father’s photos when he was young, to the time he joined Lazio, during the war when he served as an artillery officer, and the post-war where he continued to play for the Biancoceleste.
Obviously, words could not describe my emotion back then as pages after pages, photos of the former players, the heroes of La Lazio appeared in front of my naked eyes. You have to understand that these photos are really very sought-after, and one in particular, was actually signed by all the players including Silvio Piola! These are simply priceless photos!!!! I would not even consider selling them for a Million Dollar if I were the owner of these photos. I am soooo excited even when I am typing this now!! (This adrenaline rush will take a month to subside)
Ambassador Felicani also expressed his interest in joining the Lazio Singapore Supporters group. – We were all deeply honoured and delighted!
“Sir, you can join us for gatherings and play some football together,” I told him
“Yes, if only it’s near a church or a hospital” He laughs
We all burst out laughing!
The highlight of the meeting was his gift to the Singapore Lazio Supporters. – An old school replica Lazio 1930s -1940s jersey. The jersey has the old Facist logo of Lazio on it, so I reckon it should be from the 30s, probably before the war. Regardless of whichever era it comes from, I am definitely going to frame it up and hanged it on the wall!
To return his nice gesture, I gave him a ‘Vola-Lazio-Vola’ scarf written in Chinese characters, made for the 2009 Italian Super Cup in Beijing, and some newspaper cutting of articles about the global Laziali invasion on Corrielle Dello Sport. The latter was very happy and impressed by the efforts from Laziofever and the global Laziali.
However due to the rather short meeting and all the excitement, we have apparently forgotten to take pictures of the ambassador’s late father!
WAIT, DON’T SWEAR! We promised to take more photos of him during our next meeting. Hahaha..
Enjoy the photos folks..
Forza Lazio!
Nigel
The Ambassador's office. Nice view..
The symbol of the Lazio region.
The footballer's Identity card belonging to the Ambassdor's father, Renzo Felicani.
The photo on the left is Natalio Perinetti. A very famous Argentinean Striker, but was never a Lazio player. He is somehow related to the Ambassador's late father.
A very unique photo. 2 legends entering the pitch together. Giuseppe Meazza and our very own, Silvio Piola.
Can you spot Silvio Piola? Standing, third from the right. Grande Capitano!
The back of the photo with the player's names written on it. And can someone tell me if the address still exist now in Rome?
Some photos from the post wars and 70s.
A very very rare and sought-after photo, containing the signatures from all the players! The holy grail indeed!
Ambassador Felicani presenting Lazio Singapore, the Lazio jersey.
And alittle gift to his Excellency.
The old scudetto badge on a Lazio jersey. How nice it would be..(Lazio have never won the scudetto before the war)
PS: His excellency said he wants to see the reaction from the fans, So do drop some comments folks!!!
