Johan Mjallby v Paul Gascoigne
Vasteras SK manager Johan Mjallby poses for a picture at Solid Park Arena in Vasteras, Sweden, July 14, 2017. Picture taken July 14, 2017. REUTERS/Philip O'Connor
Two days after Celtic lifted the European Cup in Lisbon a bonnie baby called Paul Gascoigne was born, yesterday it looked like the passing years had been very cruel on the former England international.
Not even mimicking playing a flute to his adoring fans could mask the condition of the 54-year-old.
In February 1971 the Mjallby family in Jarfalla, Sweden was celebrating the birth of Johan, a month later one of Celtic’s greatest sides were getting the runaround from Johan Cruyff, losing 3-0 to Ajax in Amsterdam as a new era in football kicked off. Event the age of 51 you wouldn’t want to be on the other side from Big Dolph down the 5-a-sides.
Karl Johan Siward Mjällby is only 3 years younger than Paul Gascoigne. pic.twitter.com/R6hOhGJYSo
— bob agg. (@NotoriousBAG_) March 27, 2022
It seems that the passing years have been kinder to Johan that Gazza. The former Celtic player wasn’t slow to socialise during his playing and coaching career but he knew when to draw the line, when his professional duties meant that it was time to call it a day.