The crowd at the literary café Het Ezelsoor has rarely been as diverse as it was on a Saturday evening. Football fans and readers gathered together for a chat. legend-Striker Wim Kieft and writer Michiel van Egmond. Kieft from Amsterdam, van Egmond from Rotterdam. They were interviewed by Erik Dijkstra, right? From Twente.

The evening centred around the turbulent career of Wim Kieft, full of accolades and awards. His stories about Maradona, Cruyff and Rinus Michels were a hit. Hans van Breukelen was the main target of choice in Kieft’s many tales. At times this led to the displeasure of the large, sometimes rather noisy, PSV Brabant fans in the hall. But the atmosphere remained cheerful.

Van Egmond talked about his writing style and shared fascinating anecdotes. When asked, he revealed that he also had an Edwin Evers imitation at home. He had both Kieft and Dijkstra in his collection. He temporarily excluded his most famous chef, Sergio Herman, from Zeeland.

Beyond that, the conversation went back and forth. With stories about Pisa, Romario, the goals against Ireland, what it feels like to be a substitute at a golden European Championship. But actually I’d rather be home.

In fact, the analyst or the guest of honor has only one role in the world of television: to present shows. To tell stories and entertain. And that is exactly what the gentlemen did. I listened to the questions of the audience. He gave answers and told more than anyone expected. The spectator dreamed of pure literary football nostalgia. In short: peace.

They were quickly forgiven if they thought earlier this week that Zwarte Cross was in Assen.