A UAE World Cup love story: An Argentinian expat and his English wife
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- An Argentinian expat and his English wife in the UAE have found love and harmony despite the historical football rivalry between their nations.
- Their nearly three-decade marriage demonstrates that football is just a game, even during the World Cup.
- The couple prefers watching matches at home to avoid awkwardness, cherishing their peaceful coexistence.
In Sharjah, a unique love story unfolds, transcending the fierce football rivalry between Argentina and England. Jorge Ferrari, an Argentinian photographer, and his English wife, Rebecca, have built a nearly 30-year marriage that proves love can indeed conquer the passions and politics often ignited by the World Cup.
She is not very passionate about football, but she watches the World Cup, every England match. She supports her team, she doesn’t tease me if England win.
While the historical clashes between their nations, marked by events like the Falklands War and controversial goals, have often led to heated tempers and fan confrontations, Jorge and Rebecca's home remains a sanctuary of calm. Rebecca, though not a fervent football fan, supports England and never teases Jorge when Argentina plays. This mutual respect allows them to enjoy the tournament without domestic discord.
The couple, who met in Kuwait, experienced a moment of awkwardness during the 1998 World Cup when England lost to Argentina on penalties after a contentious match. Jorge recalls trying to remain composed as Argentina scored, but the tension among their English friends led to an uncomfortable silence after the game. This experience cemented his preference for watching matches at home with his wife.
So since that day, I never watch a match with anyone else. I always watch it at home. My wife joins me if it’s not very late at night. She is always cool, she supports her country, but she doesn’t go mad when they win or when they lose. And she always tolerates me, that’s why home is the best place for me whenever Argentina plays a World Cup match.
Rebecca, who hails from Cornwall and is a fan of former England striker Gary Lineker, embodies a more relaxed approach to the game. Her calm demeanor, even when her team loses or her husband's team wins, is a cornerstone of their harmonious relationship. For Jorge, home is the best place to be during World Cup matches, especially when Argentina is playing, thanks to his wife's understanding and tolerance.
My hometown in Cornwall is not very passionate ab
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Khaleej Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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