[wellard]

Ronaldo, Luis Figo and David Beckham are standing in Heaven before the
throne of God. God looks at them and says; "And so here you here face your
Lord and maker. I shall ask each of you a question."

Addressing Ronaldo first he asks, "Ronaldo, one of the world's greatest
football players, what is it that you believe brought you here before me?"

Ronaldo looks God in the eye and says passionately, "I believe football to
be the food of life. Nothing else brings such unbridled joy to so many
people, from the slums of Rio to the bright lights of Madrid. I have
devoted my life to bring such joy to people, with little else, who stood
on the
terraces supporting their team." God smiles and offers Ronaldo a seat to
his left.

He then turns to Luis Figo, "And similarly you, Luis, a hero to so
many, what do you think it was brought you to my throne?"

Figo stands tall and proud, "I believe courage, honour and passion are the
fundamentals to life and I've spent my whole playing-career providing a
living embodiment of these commitments." God, moved by the passion of his
speech offers Figo a seat to his right.

He then turns to Beckham, "And you, David. Presumably you want your ball
back?"