The most grueling period of the year has arrived. With all top-tier football leagues coming to an end, each set of fans has their own views and opinions over their team’s season. For some forgettable, for some heartbreaking, and for others joy. But one common thought, all of us need to wait for the season to resume. Until then, it is going to be us listening to transfer rumors, waiting for the new manager to arrive, raising our hopes for next season, and going through withdrawals due to the lack of football.

Even though ticket prices rise, the subscription model and costs rise, football is a common man’s ritual. Forgetting all the worries of the world to witness the beautiful game, it could be watching Pep’s JDP or Sean Dyche’s 442, or Fluminense’s pure relationist style. This game welcomes everyone from all strata of life. The beauty of this game is despite the language barrier, culture barrier, and at times sadly the moral barrier, everyone can co-exist on the field (the players) and off the field (the fans).

Whenever the season comes to an end, the subsequent weekend is usually when I realize how much of an impact this game has on me. Even though at times it is overwhelming given the hectic schedule of the games, once there are no games, the emptiness is so evident and there is nothing else in the world that can replace it.

It’s alright, dear friend. All of us would be waiting for your arrival once August comes. Thanks for the memories, the heartbreaks, and the banter. You give hope and life and yet you can be so evil.