Libya’s captain-libero was given an emotional send-off at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Before a capacity crowd at the SMART Araneta Coliseum late on Wednesday, September 17, Libya’s captain and libero, Foad Elmaarug, officially closed the chapter on his volleyball career.
Libya may have closed out its FIVB Men’s World Championship run with a loss to fan-favorites Japan, but the 42-year-old Foad was given a send-off he will never forget by the Ryujin Nippon, his teammates, and even a crowd that stayed up late for the Japanese team.
As Ryujin Nippon celebrated with their Filipino fanbase, Foad’s teammates formed two rows to each give high-fives to their retiring captain. At the end of the line, Foad then hung up his game-worn sneakers on the net — a touching gesture that acted as a final goodbye to the sport he’s loved for over two decades. Shortly after, the captain was also given a victory ride by his teammates.
From here, the Big Dome’s cheers began to ring loudly. Only this time, it wasn’t for the Ryujin Nippon; it was for Foad as they realized what was taking place on the opposite side of the net.
More than a game
Soon enough, Ryujin Nippon would begin joining in on Foad Elmaruug’s retirement party as they applauded the captain while he thanked the Araneta Coliseum crowd for the final time in his career.
It was at this point that Foad performed the ritual jersey swap with the Japanese. Rather than go for captain Yuki Ishikawa or fan-favorite Ran Takahashi, Foad opted to exchange jerseys with the Ryujin Nippon’s rising opposite hitter: Kento Miyaura.
Later on, it was revealed that Foad’s decision was actually built on a personal reason — family.
“Jersey number four from the Japanese team looks exactly like [my] first son,” Foad said through his teammate, Ahmed Ikhbayri. “They’re both left-handed as well, so before [I] came here, [I] decided to do that and bring it to [my] son.”
Now that he’s led Libya to its first World Championship appearance since 1982, Foad hopes that their short but sweet stay in Manila will be the beginning of something greater.
“We will see these guys in the next World Championship, God-willing,” said Foad through team coordinator and former national team member Abdelwahad Zoubi.”
As he gave it his all for one final time, Foad also thanked the crowd at the Big Dome, who made sure to show him the same love they would express to their Ryujin Nippon idols.
“Thank you to the fans and the Philippines. The fans were amazing, thank you so much.”
Banner images from the FIVB on Instagram.
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