He was the captain of Slovan, he played for Slovakia. Today is the priest: I accepted the offer
yesterday at 10:55 am
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Transfers are not unusual in the life of footballers. In the summer and winter seasons, a number of players change their club address, not only among professionals, but also among amateurs or juniors and adolescents.
The transition in life is often even expressed figuratively on the wedding day of athletes. But when he decides, what transfer will decide the football path and he will go on the priestly path?
Adam Štefanec is 25 years old and in his teenage years he was not only a talented midfielder, but also a youth representative of Slovakia and captain of the teenagers in Slovan Bratislava. He is the champion of Slovakia in the under-15 category. In addition, he comes from a football family – his grandfather, uncle, father and younger brother wore football boots.
“My brother and I were key players in the midfield in Slovan’s nineteen. They bought us as reinforcements, we played all the matches. On the other hand, they knew that I am religious and close to God,” stated in telling his life story for Plus ONE DAY.
He walked away from a promising football career when he was only 19 years old. “Before, I was in the limelight, I also played in the youth national team. I was doing well, suddenly I got a shock. I didn’t play.
Maybe if it had come at a time when I had no doubts about my career as a footballer, I wouldn’t have made such a decision. However, it was easier for me. I didn’t have to make a decision for a long time,” Adam Štefanec continues to tell his story.
“It was a big leap and a big difference. The world of sports is much more free compared to the conservative church environment, and I had to decide several things, but I am convinced that I made a decision. I didn’t think about becoming a priest at all, but after meeting God, I had no doubts about it.
It was a powerful moment for me. I knew it was only meant for me. An offer came and I accepted it. I have discovered another path and I would be foolish not to walk now that I know it is better for me.” quotes his words Plus ONE DAY.
Today he is 25 years old and still has a year of seminary ahead of him. He is not yet a priest, but he can baptize, marry or celebrate funerals. “I am aware that I will not have a wife and children. I know what I’m going. I’m ready for it. Even in football, it is somewhat true that if you want to devote yourself to it really fully and progress, the girls should go aside. In a way, it was already a kind of celibacy for me. Not everyone understood it, it confused some guys,” thought the native of Žilina.
Adam Štefanec adds that he only plays football on Mondays. “With people from the parish. We’ll also run for beer afterwards,” he concluded with a smile on his face.