r/MadeMeSmile • u/xevarDIFF • 4d ago

Professional footballer, lan Wright, meets with his former teacher, Sydney Pigden. He said he was the first positive male figure he had in his life

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u/donorcycle 4d ago

I genuinely enjoy this video. The part I wish people could take away from this is - how much having a right parental type figure, a positive one that genuinely cares for you - what kind of long lasting impact it has on children, as they grow up to become adults.

That is a world class footballer. Who came from nothing. Even spent a small bit of time in prison. Was also broke during that time while his wife was pregnant. He credits Mr. Pigden with a lot of his success and actually said that Pigden was the first positive male role model he ever had in his life.

Even with all the fame, wealth and glory he achieved, one look, one sound from his believed teacher, in that split instant, he is back to being a 8 year old boy, showing the man the utmost respect and removing his hat.

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u/winkingchef 4d ago

Same. Every time it is reposted, I watch it all the way through and have tears in my eyes.

This is Reddit so it’s gotta be 100 times…never fails

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u/dokuromark 2d ago

I do the same. I watch it every time, even when (like today) I see the same post I upvoted yesterday in my feed, gotta watch it again!

I'm guessing you've heard Ian's later recollection of Mr. Pigden on BBC Radio, but just in case… (grab a tissue!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VplePNEU2PI