Thrissur: It was more than 70 years ago. Back then, the wide Mission Quarters Road was like a playground, empty of people and vehicles. The family of JD Mooken had just moved there from Kizhakkekotta. Among them was young George, who was an ardent football player. He would take his football out onto the road, and soon children from the neighbourhood join. The road would echo with the sounds of their game.

Even when George grew up to be ordained as Father George Mooken, and later, at the age of 28, was consecrated as Metropolitan of the Syro-Malabar Church under the name Mar Aprem, his passion for football never waned. His love for the sport even led him to collect two jerseys of Pelé and a football autographed by Maradona. He first handed these precious items over to the Chaldean Syrian Higher Secondary School, the same school where he had once studied.

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The signed jersey

Mar Aprem Mookan even played football in America and England. He played while studying at the Chaldean Syrian Higher Secondary School, and later, during his intermediate studies at St. Thomas College. His spiritual calling eventually took him deeper into priestly life and studies, but he never let go of his passion for football completely. At the age of 21, he went to England for higher studies, where he wore football boots for the first time and played professionally. At the age of 27, he went to America and continued to play football, including during children’s summer camps in New York. After finishing the game only he stepped off the field.

His fandom to Pelé was so great that he once went near where Pelé was staying just to catch a glimpse of him, though he wasn’t allowed to meet him. Mar Aprem Metropolitan has always been a loyal fan of the Brazil football team.