Marco van Bas...

Facts to Talk About:   Birth Date: 31 st October, 1964 Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands Height and weight:   6 ft 2 in, 80 kg Position: Striker/Forward Foot: NA Club: Ajax Amsterdam and AC Milan Starting: # NA Marital status: Married to Eliesbeth Van Cappelleveen; have two daughters Rebecca and Angelica and one son Alexander   Personal Profile:   Marco van Basten born on 31 st October 1964 in the Dutch city of Utrecht began his football career at the age of seven. UVV was his first team and after spending 10 years with the team he moved to another club from Utrecht, Elinkwijk . In 1981, Marco’s outstanding skills were spotted by Ajax 's scouts and thus began the journey of his professional career. Van Basten agreed to play for the renowned football club from Amsterdam, as he was aware that this will be the logic next step to bring his career to new heights. His immense potential was instantly recognised by the Ajax coaches and he proved his credentials by scoring a goal in his debut match.   By 1986, he had strengthened his place as the most dangerous forward player in European football. During his stint with Ajax, Van Basten received good honors for his contribution on the field. He won two Dutch Championships, European Cup Winners' Cup and two Dutch Cups. In the Dutch Eredivisie, Marco showed an unmatched performance. He was always dangerous and often unstoppable for the defenders. He was the perfect recipient for the Golden Boot Award, with the record of 37 goals in just 26 matches. For Ajax Marco van Basten played in 172 matches and scored 151 goals. Due to his excellent track record, there were several clubs who had lined up to sign a deal with the rising star, but he chose to join AC Milan. The transfer was a dream-deal for the 22-year old megastar.   Milan ruled the European football for the coming years along with Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard .   In the first season, though AC Milan had won the Scudetto, constant injuries gave Van Basten a chance to participate in only 11 games. However, the 1998 European Championships saw Van Basten return with a dazzling form, and he scored three goals against England and an amazing performance in the final. His improved performance led to a great season in 1988/89 with him being declared as the European Player of the year and scoring 19 goals in Serie A and helping Milan to become Champions of Europe. In 1989-90 he became the top scorer and helped Milan shield their European Cup effectively. AC Milan’s European season in 1990/91, was a sad one with the team receiving a year long ban from European football. Van Basten, their key player was also banned for a suspicious elbowing offense on the field.   In the 1991/92 season, under the guidance of Fabio Capello, AC Milan regained their championship. Also in this season, Van Basten became a lead scorer, scoring 25 goals. Van Basten played some great games in the 1992/93 season and was declared as the European Player of the Year before being injured. Though he underwent a series of operations, his comeback to Milan could not recreate the magic and they lost the finals of the Champions League to Marseille. Despite his sincere efforts, Van Basten was unable to recover from his constant injuries van Basten retired from active football.   In the years that he played for Milan, Van Basten had a unique role in bringing them back to the heights of the football world and building a strong foundation for future success. He scored an unbelievable 90 goals in 147 Serie A games. He won 2 European Cups, 2 World Club Cups, 3 Scudetto's and 2 European Super Cups. On an individual level, Marco was awarded 3 European Footballer of the Year award, 2 World Player of the Year awards, FIFA World Player of the year and the best scorer award as Serie A top marksman. In 1995, Van Basten officially announced his retirement from football. In 2003-2004, he worked at his first spell as a coach assistant to John van't Schip, a former teammate. Today he is the coach of the Dutch national team. These days, Marco, his wife and their children are living a decent life at their home village. Marco spends a great time practicing his golf and is also an eager fan of tennis.   Career in a Glance (appearances - goals): League Statistics per Season 1981/82 Ajax Amsterdam 01 - 01 1982/83 Ajax Amsterdam 20 - 09 1983/84 Ajax Amsterdam 26 - 28 1984/85 Ajax Amsterdam 33 - 22 1985/86 Ajax Amsterdam 26 - 37 1986/87 Ajax Amsterdam 27 - 31 1987/88 AC Milan 11 - 03 1988/89 AC Milan 33 - 19 1989/90 AC Milan 26 - 19   1990/91 AC Milan 31 - 11 1991/92 AC Milan 31 - 25 1992/93 AC Milan 15 - 13 European Cup Games 1983/84 Ajax Amsterdam 02 - 00 1984/85 Ajax Amsterdam 04 - 05 1985/86 Ajax Amsterdam 02 - 00 1986/87 Ajax Amsterdam 09 - 06 1987/88 AC Milan 01 - 00 1988/89 AC Milan 09 - 09 1989/90 AC Milan 07 - 03 1990/91 AC Milan 02 - 00 1991/92 AC Milan 02 - 00 1992/93 AC Milan 05 - 06 Major Achievements: Club Honors Ajax Amsterdam : 1 UEFA Cup Winners Cup (1987) 3 Dutch Championships (1982, 1983, 1985) 3 Dutch Cups (1983, 1986, 1987) AC Milan: 2 UEFA Champions League (1989, 1990) 2 Intercontinental Cups (1989, 1990) 2 European Super cup (1989, 1990) 3 Italian Championships (1988, 1992, 1993) 3 Italian Super Cups (1988, 1992, 1993) International Honors 1 European Championship (1988) Individual Honors 1 FIFA World Player of the Year (1992) 2 World Soccer Player of the Year (1988, 1992) 3 European Footballer of the Year (1988, 1989, 1992) 1 European Golden Boot (1986) 1 European Championship Top Scorer and Best Player (1988) 2 Italian League Top Scorer (1990, 1992) 4 Dutch League Top Scorer (1984, 1985, 1986, 1987)