Colombian football fan Javier Labrador making memories in Qatar

By Hilmi Sever

DOHA (AA) - Javier Labrador, who is a famous figure among football fans with his avant-garde clothes and funny moves, answered questions by an Anadolu Agency reporter in front of the Khalifa Stadium in Qatar.

Javier, known by the nickname Pulpito (Octopus), is experiencing the excitement of football in 2022 Qatar after 2010 South Africa, 2014 Brazil and 2018 Russia.

"I love football. I live for football. I work for football. This is my passion. Being in the World Cup means everything to me," the 56-year-old Colombian said.

"Football is in my mind and heart. I came to Qatar on Nov. 14 and have been to 14 games. I've been to all the stadiums where the World Cup matches were played in Qatar," he added.

"It hurts me that Colombia is not in the World Cup. Colombia is my country. I love Colombia," he said fighting back tears.

- 'Qatar is the best'

Javier said: "I have been to four World Cups so far. 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. Qatar is the best among them."

The Colombian fan said the most unforgettable moment in the World Cup for him was the match between Colombia and England in the last 16 round of the 2018 World Cup, which concluded with penalties.

"England-Colombia match in Russia is my most unforgettable memory of the World Cups. Yerry Mina's goal in the 93rd minute made me very happy. The match went to overtime but we were eliminated on penalties. England's elimination hurt like the day I lost my mother. I cried a lot that day."

Javier said his favorite in the 2022 World Cup is Brazil.

"I went to the opening match. Brazil is my favorite. It is a complete team with very good players. We will see who will play the final against them in the next rounds."

*Translation by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp